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THE 


COLONEL BY BREVET 



Co 

COPY 1 


J 

ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE 



ST. PAUL 

The Price-McGill Company 


1892 


Copyrighted 1892 

BY 

THE PRICE-McGILL CO 


FEINTED AND PLATED BY 

THE PRICE-McGILL COMPANY 




ST. PAITL, MINN. 


CONTENTS. 


BOOK ONE. 

The Man-Trap that was Sprung in Vienna. 

CHArTER. PAGE. 

1 — A Lucky Meeting on the Ringstrasse, - . - . 9 

II — How Corney Passed the Russian Batteries with 

Hobart Pasha, - -- -- -- - 22 

HI — The Voice of the Charmer, - - - . - - - 34 

IV — The Colonel Depends upon his Cool Head, - - - 44 

V — Into the Trap, - 57 

VI — “The Count is — My Husband!” _ _ _ - 09 

VI I — Something not Down in the Plan of Campaign, - - 79 

VIH— How the O’Shea Won, Hands Down, - - - - 97 

BOOK TWO. 

The Flight Along The Danube. 

I— Getting Ready to go to the Front, ----- 121 
II — “To Reach Sud-Bahnhof I will give you just Ten 

Minutes!” - 135 

HI — Along the Danube, - -- -- -- - 150 

IV — “ This Attack on the Train is Meant — for Us ! ” - - 166 

V — Two against Fifty, - -- -- -- - igo 

VI — The Gunpowder Plot, - - 195 

VH— Sister Therese Sees Her Duty Plainly, - - - - 210 

VIII — “I am John Paul’s Wife! ” ------ 225 

BOOK THREE. 

Oyer the Balkans with Gourka. 

I— The Assault on the Redoubt before Plevna, - - - 243 

II — A White Flag over the Crescent, ----- 258 

III— Jeanie’s Letter, 273 

lY — A Raid of the Cossacks over the Balkans, - - - 289 

V — Face to Face in the Turkish Hospital, - - - - 303 

VI— The Sacking of the Bulgarian Capital, - - - 317 

VII— Beware of the British Lion, when you Pull His Tail, 332 

VIII— The Curtain Falls in the Moorish Court, - - - 347 



CHAPTER I. 


A I.UCKY MEETING ON THE RINGSTRASSE. 

A TALL man with an American air of individ- 
uality about him, which is most marked in 
the independent swing with which he saunters 
along, glancing with interest to the right and 
left, comes to a pause beside a statue on the 
famous Broadwa^^ and Fifth avenue of Vienna, 
known far and wide as the Ringstrasse. 

The scene at this hour is one particularly apt 
to charm the observing eye of a traveler, for 
the capital of Austria is devoted to amuse- 
ment even more than gay Paris, and her pop- 
ulation presents a kaleidescopic view of many 
national costtimes. 

As the American stands there he can see the 
passing procession, made up of Germans, 
Italians, Magyars or Hungarians, Jews, Turks, 
Poles, Wallachian peasants, Slavs, Bohemians, 
gypsies, and representatives of many other 
nations, for Vienna draws the lovers of music 
and pleasure. 


10 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


The panorama never ceases to amnse one 
who delights to study human nature, and 
while this pilgrim from over the ocean looks 
on we may find a chance to observe him closer. 
In figure John Paul is angular, like so many 
of his fellow countrymen, but his frame gives 
evidence of considerable power. His face 
would be rather homely only for the superb 
mustache which gives him a military air.' The 
blue eyes are its redeeming feattfre ; they can 
be so tender and the next minute fasten upon 
a trembling foe with terrible power. Such a 
man is John Paul ; rather carelessly dressed, a 
good fellow, judging from the cut of his jib, 
but one likely to prove a bad enemy. What 
brings him to Vienna in the early winter of 
^77 and ’78 we shall soon learn. 

While he thus lounges idolently near the 
bronze statute, with the tide of humanity 
passing by on every side, he hears laughter 
and merriment. Strange thoughts come into 
his mind, for he knows that not a great many 
hundred Austrian meiles away from this gay, 
thoughtless capital the desperate armies of 
Russia and Turkey are daily coming in con- 
flict, and piles of dead are left on the half-frozen 
ground. He has been there, and knows all the 
horrors of the war that steadily pushes on in 
the direction of Constantinople. 

While he thus amuses himself by observing 


THE Colonel by brevet. 


11 


the passing crowd, this son of Mars holds a 
prime cigar between his strong teeth, and 
occasionally puffs a wreath of bine smoke into 
rhe windless atmosphere, John Paul has seen 
much of campaigning in the last fifteen years 
of his life. As a boy he fought with brave Lee 
under the flag of the Lost Cause, and, when 
the war was over, sought new fields abroad, 
serving with distinction under the Shah of 
Persia. He was with unhappy France when 
German invasion carried the v/ar to the doors 
of Paris. Later on he served in Egypt, but 
the causes for the opening of the Russo- 
Turkish war in April, ’77, found his sympathies 
with the country of the great white czar. 

Thus this soldier of fortune may be in 
Vienna on some diplomatic mission, since he is 
the friend of the Grand Duke Constantine and 
several famous Russian generals. 

His cigar burns low, and tossing it aside he 
is about to head toward the hotel Match aker 
Hof, where he puts up, when a hand taps his 
shoulder, and turning he beholds a police 
officer garbed in a dark green suit and wear- 
ing a sword at his side. It may not be a 
pleasant thing to be thus lapped on the 
shoulder by one of these custodians of the 
peace, but John Paul looks the official squarely 
in the eye. Plainly he knows no fear. The 
policeman salutes respectfully and speaks a 


12 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


few words in German ; one hand points out a 
vehicle drawn up near the curb, the other 
mechanically jingles certain kreutzers which 
have doubtless crossed his palm in reward for 
the service he is performing, for no man does a 
favor in Vienna without expecting trinkgeld^ 
or “drink money/’ 

J ohn Paul glances that way rather carelessly, 
expecting to see some gentleman known to 
him in the course of his diplomatic mission to 
the Austrian capital. Of a sudden the blood 
that has seemed so stagnant in his veins 
becomes boiling lava; he utters an exclama- 
tion, forgets all about the messenger, who 
expects further fees perhaps, leaves the bronze 
statute, and in ten seconds is at the door of 
the modest little cab and shaking hands with 
a bright-faced English girl, who leans out to 
greet him with some enthusiasm. 

She questions him concerning his recent past, 
as she has seen but little of him during the 
months that have elapsed since they first met 
in a peculmr way in the Alps ; and John Paul 
gives a sort of itinerary of his adventures, 
gently touching dashing scenes with which a 
man less modest could tingle the nerves of a 
listener. 

“What brings you to Vienna, Lady Jeanie? ” 
he finally asks, whereat she looks sober. 

“You know me as a peculiar girl. Colonel 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


13 


Paul; you have heard of me as one fond of 
the hunt, a daring rider and envious of you 
men, who can travel all over the world unat- 
tended. Now I am to appear in a new role.’^ 

“What may that be?’^ he blankly asked. 
This English girl, so full of life, has almost 
dazed him in the past, and he fancies he will 
not be surprised if she now declares her inten- 
tion to act as a war correspondent. 

“lam about to take the veil, she replies 
quietly. 

“Impossible! ” he ejaculates with something 
like a thrill of despair in his voice. 

“Of course I have an object in so doing. I 
have no desire to shut myself up in a nunnery, 
but in this you recognize my intentions.’’ 

She discloses something that has been 
hidden under her sealskin sacque. 

“Ah! the red cross! You would be a Sister 
of Mercy and follow the army. A noble 
resolution, but, my dear young lady, have you 
counted the cost? ” he says, earnestly. 

“I have not taken the step without serious 
thought. I believe there is a mission for me, 
and my sisters have chosen me to fill it. 
Whether I do it with credit only the future 
can prove, but I go about it with a brave 
heart.” 

“I don’t doubt it,”says John, surveying the 
small hands that rest upon the door of the 


14 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


cab, and wondering if their touch might not 
do as much good toward restoring a poor 
wounded fellow to health as all the medicines 
a field surgeon could supply. 

They chat longer, and as he changes his 
position the soldier becomes aware that the 
English girl is not alone in the cab ; a motion- 
less figure garbed in black, with a veil hiding 
her features, is seated as far back as the vehicle 
will allow ; the dress is well known to him, 
and he hardly needs a glimpse of the large red 
cross upon the bosom of it to tell him that 
this is one of those devoted sisters who hover 
over bloody battle fields to bind up the 
wounds of the fallen, and cheer the departing 
spirit. 

“Ah ! you have a companion? ” he cries. 

“ Pardon me — I had forgotten. This is 
Sister Therese, Colonel Paul. Somehow I 
have an idea you may have met before,” the 
English girl says, but John Paul while raising 
his hat, replies: 

“I have no recollection of ever meeting a 
Sister Therese,” and the black robed figure 
utters not a word, though her gloved hands 
clutch the seat beside her with a frenzied grip, 
and back of the veil a white face becomes even 
as death. Perhaps John Paul might change 
his mind could he raise his hand and draw 
aside the veil that hides the face of the Sister 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


15 


from his sight ; but it is not so decreed. Time 
will reveal the mysterious link connecting his 
past with that of the Red Cross nun. 

Further conversation is^Tarried on, and the 
English girl learns something of John Paul’s 
programme for the future. As for herself she 
says nothing to indicate what she expects to 
do, only remarking at parting that it may be 
possible the fortunes of war will bring them 
together again, whereat the other gallantly 
declares that if a fl3dng bullet from the gun of 
marauding Cossack or Bashi-Bazouk should 
stretch him out on the rough bench of a field 
hospital, he could wish no kinder fate than 
that Lady Jeanie should happen to be on duty 
there. 

Thus they separate, and little dreaming at 
that moment of the strange circumstances 
that must throw them together later on, 
when the chain forged by destiny unites their 
threads of life. 

John Paul has raised his hat, the cab rolls 
away, and leaves him looking after it in a deep 
study. This strange girl, so full of life, and 
withal so gentle, fascinates him. He believes 
in her as he has not in a woman, lo, these 
many years, since — but that is a story which 
does not concern us just at present, for there 
is needless trouble in crossing a bridge before 
you come to it. 


16 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Again he turns to saunter along the avenue 
vrhere the kaleidescope of humanity can be 
seen. As he does so John Paul consults his 
watch, as if he may have some appointment 
later on. 

Surrender, you bloody Roosian ! bellows 
a voice in his ear, a voice that is round and 
jolly, a voice that wins friends wherever it 
goes, and which has enlivened many a camp 
by its rollicking Irish songs. 

The speaker proceeds to squeeze the hand of 
the soldier of fortune. He is of Irish-French 
stock, and unites the better qualities of Gaul 
and Celt. Cornelius O’Shea is known far 
and wide. He has been a war correspond- 
ent in his day, but deserted the craft long 
years ago to become an artist, drawing 
remarkable sketches for the English illustrated 
papers. Of late he has been engaged in some 
sort of diplomatic work for the sultan, which, 
it seems, has brought him to Vienna. 

These two men, arra^^ed as they are on 
opposite sides, and believing the cause they 
work for to be just, are nevertheless the best 
of friends, and the Franco-Irishman would go 
far out of his way in order to do John Paul a 
service. The ex-army officer has been of 
assistance to him more than once in the past. 

Sauntering along they converse, both careful 
to give no hint of the business that brings 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


17 


them to the Austrian capital. O’Shea has a 
singular way of changing his tongue, and his 
very expression alters with it. At one moment 
it is the jovial Irishman who jokes and replies 
wittily ; presto, change ! and the Frenchman 
rattles off his story in the purest of Parisian 
French, accompanying his words with sundry 
grimaces and shrugs that almost convulse his 
companion. 

“You sly dog,” he finally ejaculates, slap- 
ping his companion on the back. 

“Eh! what’s wrong? ” demands the other, 
half suspecting he has made some slip and 
betrayed his secret to the enemy. 

“Nothing, I hope, comrade; but I saw you 
enjoying a quiet flirtation with a lovely girl 
— bless the girls anyway,” says Cornelius 
O’Shea. 

“Oh! is that all? I thought I might have 
given out the number of men Gourka has, or 
the next great move contemplated when 
Plevna falls. You know,” in a whisper, “there 
are Russian spies everywhere, and one never 
feels at his ease.” 

“ Yes, IVe seen more than one of ^em strung 
up by theTurks, and cowards they were, too.” 

“ Hush ! not so loud, Corney. You’ll surely 
get into trouble yet with that unruly tongue.” 

“By the same token, that unruly tongue is 
here even now to put one John Paul on his 


18 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


guard, so that he may save his bacon/^ says 
the minion of the sultan, coolly. 

“That’s clever of you, Corney. Let’s have 
the yarn, there’s a good fellovr. Take a weed 
and light up. I know your failing of old.” 

How easily he takes the astonishing declara- 
tion of the man who knows ; it does not seem 
to disturb his equanimity in the least, and 
one might imagine this man carried a refriger- 
ator in the region of his heart, save for the 
fact that he has given way to impulse when 
looking into the sunny orbs of Jeanie 
Stockton. 

O’Shea surveys him with peculiar wonder, 
and admiration ; then examines the cigar 
critically, after which he bites off the end of 
the weed and applies a match. 

“Ah! this is luxury, mon cher. We members 
of the diplomatic corps have been raced about 
so much that we hardly know what a quiet 
smoke is, and I give you my word of honor I 
haven’t tasted a decent cigar this month. 
Here we are at your caravansary, I believe,” 
he rattles on, stealing a side glance at his 
comrade the while, to see how he takes this 
exasperating delay ; but John Paul is a man 
of the world, and seldom gives his feelings a 
place upon his sleeve. 

“See here, you old iceberg, why do n’t you 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET, 


19 


show impatience and demand the explanation 
due you ? ” O’Shea burst out with. 

“Simply because I know you of old, and 
that the story will be forthcoming; you are 
bursting with impatience now, old man. 
Relieve the pressure ; open the safety valve or 
you are lost.’^ 

AtthistheTurko-Franco-Celt gives an awful 
chuckle, and then emits a groan. 

“Bedad, its a fine character you’ve been 
after giving me, Monsieur Paul. One would 
think this same O’vShea must be a poor hand 
at keeping a state secret, by the powers! ” be 
growls reproachfully. 

“Come, old friend, you know I’d trust my 
life or anything I had in your keeping. Kindly 
tell, now, what sort of danger menaces me.” 

“That I will, John, me boy. Perhaps you 
can give a guess about the business when I 
mention the fact that Count Scobeloff, by 
many supposed to be a son of Alexander, the 
czar, and one Lord Elmer Crawford have been 
in consultation for three hours to-day at the 
Hotel Archduke Charles.” 

“Um!” grunts the soldier, and there is a 
world of character in that sound; he sees 
visions, and understands something of the 
warning, for these two men are his secret foes, 
with a plain cause for each case. 

“Yes, now proceed, Corney. Give us facts, 


20 


THE COEONEL BY BREVET. 


old fellow. What the deuce do you know, and 
how did you come to pick it up ? ’^ 

The great hotel towers above them ; people 
pass by, music is in the air, but these two 
heed nothing of this sort. Their attention is 
wholly given to the subject in hand. 

I’ve a facult 3 ^ for discovering things, you 
remember, comrade. By accident — I swear it 
was nothing less — I heard a man mention 
your name, accompanied by a bitter curse. 
The fact aroused my curiosity ; I observed the 
speaker and recognized milord. Then I turned 
my attention to his comrade; behold, the 
Russian count, dressed with astrakan-bordered 
jacket, top boots and all his finery. I have 
reason to know the count, jeSy and dislike 
him, too. 

“I obej^ed an impulse, my friend — it was in 
your service, so do not blame me. The oppor- 
tunity to hear was good, and I just filled the 
little niche back of the statue in the rotunda 
of the hotel. 

“What I caught were disconnected sentences, 
and I was compelled to put them together, 
l3ut it was plain that these men meant you 
mischief. I made out that the^^ hoped to win 
through the aid of a female confederate; a 
name was mentioned several times; you will 
remember it and beware.’’ i 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


21 


‘‘When I have heard it, yes,^^ replies John, 
smiling. 

“That name was Lady Jeanie Stockton,’^ 
says the other with a grave face. 


CHAPTER II. 


HOW CORNEY PASSED THE RUSSIAN BATTERIES 
WITH HOBART PASHA. 

John Paul turns and surveys his friend with 
an odd look, a smile something like contempt 
breaking across his face, as though he really 
commiserates the speaker’s ignorance. 

“The rest is very plausible, my boy, but 
that’s where 3^011 put 3"our foot in it. Jeanie 
Stockton owes me a life; she would scorn to 
consciously render these rascals any assist- 
ance,” he says slowly. 

“I must have been wrong, then; they men- 
tioned her name several times,' I know,” 
O’Shea hastens to add. 

“Just so. I happen to be aware of the fact 
that both of those men are rivals for the hand 
of Lady Jeanie.” 

“Hare an ’ounds! Two of ’em, you say, 
besides yourself. A pretty mess, by me soul ! ” 

“I didn’t include mj^self, Corney — but let it 

pass,” laughed John. “These two men each 
22 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


23 


want to win the English girl, and at the same 
time try to keep the fact a secret from the 
other/ ^ 

“I see,’’ cries the sultan’s diplomat, rubbing 
his hands in great glee ; “aline mess we’ll have 
of it yet, Monsieur. But look here,” as a 
sudden light dawns upon him, “was that 
bright faced young lady I saw you talking to 
at the door of the cab, milady? ” 

The American nods, whereat O’Shea assumes 
a look of intense humiliation, removes his 
chapeau, and makes a salaam. 

“Consider that my most abject apology to 
the lady, John. Bless her sweet face, I’d put 
me life in her keeping any day. ’T was all a 
mistake, and the female conspirator is some- 
one else. Beware of ’em while in Vienna, me 
boy. The trap is set; when it springs take 
care you’re not in it.” 

. “I’ll try to, Corney. But let us talk of 
something besides my personal affairs. I’ve 
heard you were with Hobart Pasha when he 
ran the batteries at the mouth of the Danube, 
with a little wooden steamer. Is that the 
truth ? ” 

O’Shea grins and shakes his head to and fro. 

“ Sacre ! It was the prettiest thing you ever 
heard of, comrade. Let me tell you jest how 
it came about, since you like to hear of bold 
exploits. You see the English pasha, on board 


24 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


tills little wooden steamer entered the Danube 
for the purpose of placing iron-clads in 
position where they might knock the enemy 
out in case he attempted the passage of the 
river. 

While the little Fethjmo was lying at 
Rustchuk, the Russians appeared below at 
Galata and Ibraila, and planted heavy bat- 
teries. Then they put down torpedoes to 
prevent the escape of the admiral of the 
Turkish fleet. We had just one forty-pound 
Armstrong gun on board, a mere bagatelle 
compared with the force of the enemy, not to 
speak of the torpedoes and the ironclads at his 
service. 

‘‘There was great speculation among us to 
guess what brave Hobart would do. To 
remain meant certain capture, but he could 
desert his little steamer and, with his men, 
reach Varna by rail. Almost to a man we 
believed he would do this latter, but, as you 
know, we didnT fully understand our leader. 

“Those who knew him best declared he 
would save ship, men and pasha himself— that 
he would run the batteries in spite of the 
Russian bear, and by the powers he did it ! 
Kerens how we got there. 

“The night was dark. Just before, clear 
fires had been gotten under the boilers, so that 
there would be plenty of steam, and no smoke 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


25 


pouring from her funnel to betray us to the 
sharp eyed gunners. The current is a five 
knot one, and our dandy boat could make 
fifteen knots an hour; that’s where we had 
hopes of success. 

‘‘After dark we got underway, all lights 
being put out or securely hidden. Men who 
knew the river like a book were in the dark 
pilot house, ready to do their part. It was a 
thrilling time, me boy, when we neared Galata 
and made out the heavily armed batteries 
commanding the river. 

“We reached the batteries — lanterns, guns 
and soldiers in great numbers are easily seen ; 
fires have been lighted on the banks also, 
making it impossible for us to slip by unseen. 

“Up goes a rocket from the Roumanian 
shore to announce our coming to the Musco- 
vites ; others follow in quick order ; we hear 
hoarse commands and the rattle of drums. 
Every second we expected to be riddled with 
balls from those frowning batteries, but 
Hobart Pasha is himself at the wheel; he has 
run the saucy little Rethymo in so close to the 
high bank that the baffled Russians are 
unable to depress their guns sufficiently to 
blow us out of the water, and we rush by; 
there are shouts of anger, some rifles speak 
from the shore, but without damage, and. 


26 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


by the powers, we’ve skipped the torpedoes 
and run the great batteries ! 

“Once below, our gallant admiral gives an 
order, and the Armstrong sends a shell 
screaming into the middle ofthe Russian camp, 
where we heard it burst, but never knew what 
damage it did. That was the opening gun of 
the war upon the Danube, and I’m proud to be 
able to say that I was with Hobart Pasha on 
his little cruise that blessed night.” 

“Thanks, Corney. I’ve seen some service 
under similar conditions, when the Federal 
forces held the James river below Richmond, 
and Lee sent a boat out with dispatches, so I 
can appreciate your situation. When do you 
leave this wicked city ? ” 

The other shuts one eje and looks at his 
companion knowingly; it is just such an 
expression as only an Irishman can assume, the 
droll gleam of his merry orbs adding the 
finishing touch to the whole. 

“Sure, that might be giving away saycrets 
to the enemy. It may be soon, it may be late, 
but I’ll meander when I’ve accomplished me 
mission,” says this long headed diplomat. 

So John Paul laughs and talks of events in 
the past, which they shared in cotumon when 
O’Shea was collecting startling pictures for 
the Illustrated News. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


27 


At last his friend looks at the time, and 
mutters an anathema on his stupidity. 

‘‘ Confound your pleasant company, me boy, 
it’s almost made me miss an audience with 
the emperor himself. Just time to make it by 
the skin of me teeth. So good bye, until we 
meet again, which I am sure will happen ere 
long, for bad pennies alwa3^s turn^ up. And 
John, me boy, as old Weller used to say to 
his boy Sam, ‘bevare of the vidders take 
warning, they mean you mischief, those two 
bloomin’ scamps, and I take it your downfall 
will come through a woman.” 

He wheels and goes off on a sort of half 
trot, but whether his expected audience is 
with the ruler of Austria or not may be set 
down as problematical, although it would 
not be strange, since the sultan of Turkey 
chooses strange ambassadors in these troub- 
lous times, when there is treachery even in his 
own household, and he can hardly call his 
head safe from one morning to the next. 

The da3^ draws near its close. It has been an 
exceptional one for this timeof the3^ear, when 
the Austrian capital is generally becoming 
fast in the rigor of winter. John Paul stands 
there in front of the hotel, and watches the 
passers by. This comfort and luxury cannot 
last ; he will soon give them up for work in 
the field, and inside of a month, perhaps, be 


28 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


riding with the raiders of bold Gonrka through 
the Balkans. 

Nowand then he recognizes an acquaintance 
and bows. These are all of the male order, 
as John Paul has no time for society, and it is 
doubtful whether he knows a lady in -Vienna 
besides the English girl who called him to her 
cab, — Jeanie Stockton, — whom he had the 
pleasure to rescue in the snow-clad Alps a 
year or so back, she having become separated 
from her party when a sudden snowstorm 
swept down upon them. No wonder these 
two feel drawn toward each other after such 
an adventure; with ordinary people it would 
have ended in marriage, but strange to sa3^ 
neither John nor Jeanie have ever let such a 
thought as falling in love enter their minds. 

Wearied at length, the soldier of fortune 
enters the hotel and proceeds to his room, 
from which he does not emerge until ready to 
dine. Two gentlemen await him below, and 
over the meal matters are discussed that con- 
cern the affairs of the Russian cause. 

You will start at once for St. Petersburg, 
Armand,” he said in French, to one, as the}^ 
sip their wine. 

‘‘It is noweight ; the cannon ball express, as 
they call it here, leaves at eleven. I have 
already secured a seat through,'’ replies the 
sleek looking gentleman addressed. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


29 


“And you, Ivan? to the other. 

“ I leave on a special boat down the river in 
one hour. Before two days have gone I will 
deliver the sealed instructions to the Grand 
Duke in front of Plevna. 

“It is well. I wish you good night, gentle- 
men, and bon voyage,'^^ 

He gravely shakes hands with each, whis- 
pering a few words of parting advice. Then 
they leave him and go their separate ways; 
when the noon of night arrives one courier 
will be f[\dng toward the snow-covered capital 
of the czar’s dominions as fast as steam can 
draw him, while the other follows the course 
of the Danube to a point where he can easiest 
reach the place where the Turks under brave 
Osman Pasha have halted the heavy columns 
of the Russian host and hold them at bay, — 
a place whose name has become famous the 
world over, synonymous with bravery and 
reckless devotion to dut3^ 

John Paul is not readj^ to retire. The hour 
is early, and he has pleasure on hand. Retiring 
to his room he changes his clothes, for he has 
eaten dinner in full dress. When he once more 
appears below, his garb is such that he will not 
attract attention in the quarter whither he 
Intends bending his steps. 

The restaurants and gartens of Vienna have 
become as famous in their way as those of 


30 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Paris. Indeed, the French capital is far behind 
in regard to musical entertainments. At the 
Hoigarten or the Volksgarten music is given 
by the finest of orchestras, while the people sit 
at tables and drink beer. 

In the summer season the picture is one that 
can never be forgotten, for nearly half of those 
present are ladies, gaily attired. They do 
things in a far different manner across the big 
pond from what we are accustomed to here, 
and the most respectable of people patronize 
the swell gartenSy while there are numerous 
resorts for the lower classes. 

When in Rome it is wise tocopy the Romans ; 
there is philosophy in this sa3dng, and old 
travelers generally keep it before their eyes 
when roaming among strange people. John 
Paul has alwa3^s been passionateh^ fond of 
music, and his opportunities of late, in the 
line of hearing his favorite composers, hav^e 
been rather limited, so that since striking 
Vienna he has let no evening pass without 
feasting his senses in one of these gardens, 
enclosed by a roof and made comfortable with 
heat. 

Vienna is no sealed book to this man ; fond 
of roaming and seeing the sights, during his 
leisure hours while awaiting the coming of 
some official, temporarily away, he has 
explored nearly every street in the city, visited 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


31 


the dingy coffee houses — Daum’s in the Kohl- 
market and Nauner’s in the Plankengrasse, 
not forgetting the caf& along Leopoldstrasse, 
where a motley crowd can always be discov- 
ered, perhaps listening to the conversation of 
the masses, always of the war, and picking up 
straws here and there which indicate tlie direc- 
tion the wind of public opinion is blowing in 
Vienna at least. 

He always has his ears open, this American 
soldier of the white czar. As he sits now in 
the great garten, between the bursts of delight- 
ful music he listens to what his neighbors are 
saying. Should their conversation be of a 
political nature — this is not Russia, and people 
dare expt'ess their minds upon such subjects, 
because the good emperor is loved in Austria, 
while the czar is only feared — he gleans the 
drift of it, while if personal, he changes his 
seat, or at least pays no attention to that 
quarter. 

One can smoke when he pleases in these pub- 
lic gardens ; it would be as bad as putting a 
Viennese in prison to deprive him of his pipe, 
so that the American pursues his favorite vice 
as he leans back in a comfortable seat and 
enjoys the orchestra's divine music. Strauss 
leads as only one of that family can, and thus 
time slips by unheeded. 


32 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


The hour grows late, and John Paul, finding 
his last cigar between his fingers, thinks it 
worth while to glance at his watch. He 
yawns, and remembers that he has an impor- 
tant appointment at ten the next morning. If 
he hopes to keep it he would do well to return 
to his hotel and retire. 

At a table in a nook to one side he has dis- 
covered Lord Elmer Crawford, but the English- 
man, so far as he knows, has not seen him. 
He has several companions, and fhey drink 
innumerable bottles of costly champagne. 
The natives content themselves with beer of 
Bavarian or home make. 

The presence of the British nobleman does 
not seem to have anything to do with his 
being in the garden, so John Paul ignores him. 
When he arises to go he notices that Lord 
Elmer has disappeared also. 

He leaves the brilliantly lighted garden, 
with its hosts of people, its delightful music, 
and passes out upon the strasse, where he finds 
much of silence and not a little gloom. 

Smoking his last cigar, John passes down in 
the direction of his hotel. Cabs and £acres 
line the curb, for when the concert is over there 
are many in the great audience who will desire 
a means of reaching their homes. Vienna is 
rather democratic on certain occasions, and 
even counts who sport their castles, have a 


THH COLONKL BY BRE7ET. 


33 


coat of arms blazoned upon numerous vehicles, 
and order scores of servants to wait upon 
them, think it nothing to ride home from the 
music garden in a hired carriage or cab. 

Rejecting all offers of the cabbies — who 
virtually run the city, though governed by 
certain laws — the American walks along with 
a brisk stride. All is at peace within his mind, 
for he does not dream of what is so near at 
hand that its shadow even now draws a dark 
line before his feet. 

Half of the distance is passed over, and in 
ten minutes John Paul will have reached his 
hotel ; but ten minutes is a long time, and ere 
the first quarter of it has gone the event occurs 
which has so deep an influence on his future. 


CHAPTER III. 


THE VOICE OF THE CHARMER. 

He has smoked more than nsiial with him 
on this evening, and somehow the taste of his 
last cigar does not seem exactly agreeable. 
Several times he has held it between finger and 
thumb and surve3^ed it in a critical manner. 
Finally, with a shrug that expresses disgust, 
he tosses it, half smoked, into the gutter. 

^ ‘ Bah ! not worth a groschen, and , yet by my 
faith, I gave a £orin for three. Perhaps it is 
my taste. Well, one thing’s sure, John Paul 
smokes no more to-night,” with a slap at his 
empty cigar case in his pocket, and a sort of 
3'earning look toward the open door of a 
tobacconist’s shop he is just passing. 

Just beyond h^ meets fate in a peculiar way^ 
and forgets all about cigars in the new interest 
that awakens within his breast. This is what 
happens: The American soldier of the czar 
becomes aware of the fact that a vehicle has 
in the street. Figures are around it. 

34 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


35 


No driver can be seen upon the seat, showing 
that this worthy has either fled or been pulled 
from his perch. 

It is a woman’s voice that has first drawn 
the attention of the pedestrian. He notes 
that there is something of appeal in the tones ; 
she does not cry out or shriek, but at the same 
time he can readily tell she is in trouble. 

All Americans have an innate sense of chivalry 
in their composition, and this is instantly 
aroused by the sight of a weak woman in 
distress. John Paul does not know whether 
the owner of the voice be young or old, lovely 
or as homel}^ as a mud fence; it is all one to 
him just then. She asks for aid; he hears in 
French her low cry: 

“ Oh ! Heaven, will no one help me ? ” 
Instantly he starts toward the vehicle 
with the intention of learning the facts. In 
Russia a wise man under similar circumstances 
would turn his back on the scene and walk 
away, understanding that it was some busi- 
ness of the secret police and none of his affair ; 
but this is not Russia, and the police of Vienna 
do not make arrests in such a way. 

The closer he comes to the scene the more 
he learns. One man holds the horses that 
draw the stylish vehicle, as though to prevent 
their making off, while several others are 
grouped around. John Paul has learned one 


36 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


lesson through bitter experience, and this is to 
al\va 3 ^s go armed, since there is no telling 
when an occasion may arise where a weapon 
of some sort is indispensable. Hence, as he 
flies to the scene he manages to get his little 
revolver in his hand. 

“What does this mean, yon ruffians?’^ he 
demands in stout German. 

His words create something of a panic ; one 
man calls out that the police are coming, and 
it is vsimply amazing to see how the group 
melts away. Even the fellow who holds the 
horses vanishes into the air. John Paul is 
amazed ; he never l^efore won so eas^^ and 
bloodless a victory, which proves in his mind 
what miserable cowards those foot-pads are, 
even though at the same time he finds himself 
astonished at their daring to stop a carriage 
in the very streets of Vienna. 

Since the field has been left to him he can no 
longer bother his head about such trivial mat- 
ters. He advances to the o23en door of the 
carriage. 

“I beg 3 "our pardon,” he says, in French, 
“but can I be of any assistance to you, 
nuidam?” using that tongue because he 
remembers the wail for assistance was thus 
clothed. 

“Thank God, monsieur, for your coming. 


tHE COLONEL BY BREVET. 37 

You have saved me from a terrible fate. What 
ean I ever do to repay 3"OU? ” 

He feels a soft hand eluteh his arm ; perfumed 
breath fans his eheek, and, although the dark- 
ness of the stra^se is such that he cannot dis- 
tinguish her features with an3^thing like 
certainty', something warns him that the 
speaker must be neither old nor ugl}". 

Of course John Paul is human. He does 
not know that he has done much to win this 
warm gratitude, but then the lady sees 
things in a different light. Knowing the cir- 
cumstances better than he does, she may see 
that which really makes his opportune coming 
very advantageous. At any rate, being 
human, he is not averse to receiving the 
thanks of a presumably chariuing woman, 
even though deep down in his heart he does 
not know" that he has reall3^ deserved them. 

‘H beg you will think nothing of it, madam. 
I simply called out; the cowardly fears of the 
rascals did the rest,^’ he asserts. 

‘‘Ah! but you were ready to do battle, 
monsieur. I can see the weapon of war in 
your hand. To render service to a female in 
distress, you were read3^ to peril your life. 
Mofi Dieu ! it is a brave people you Americans 
are.’^ 

“ How do 3^ou know I am an American?’’ 
he asks quickly, surprised at her words ; but 


38 THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

slie latiglis; a very lovely little ripple of 
merriment it is for a woman so recently 
frightened half to death, John Paul thinks, 
when he finds time to collect his ideas. 

“Oh ! I can discover that in the way you use 
the French,” she replies, whereat John, who 
has believed himself a true Parisian, is taken 
down a peg or two in his own estimation ; 
“but, monsieur, you can not know what 
service 3^011 have done me; some time I may 
tell 3^ou all.” That sounds as though she 
does not mean that their acquaintance, so 
strangel3^ begun, shall end here, John reflects. 
— “Those men were not, as you believe, com- 
mon robbers; see, my diamonds are safe and 
they demanded no money ; but for your com- 
ing, I myself would have been carried off by 
the minions of a man I despise — and fear. 
Thus, 3^ou see, monsieur, I owe you the grati- 
tude of my heart; heaven directed you here 
at just this moment, and I cannot but feel 
that there must come a time when I may repay 
you for what you have done.” 

She speaks quickly, as most French women 
do, and John Paul hardly finds himself able to 
draw a breath ere she has finished. Why will 
she insist that she is under such heavy obliga- 
tions when he fails to recognize them? He 
would not be a gentleman to insist after that, 


THE COLOKEL BY BREVET. 


39 


SO lie wisely says nothing more about the 
matter. 

“ Madam, you no longer have any fear from 
those rogues. Ihe3^ have gone and will return 
no more. You can continue homeward.” 

She gives a little ciw that is full of alarm. 

‘‘Oh! monsieur, I beg of you not to desert 
me now.” 

“Desert you,” echoes the other in a puzzled 
way. 

“It would be cruel ; 3^011 have frightened those 
miserable men awa3", but they will return 
when the3^ see you leave. Of what avail has 
3"our generous rescue been if you desert me 
again; besides,” with a sudden inspiration, 
“my driver is gone — he was in league with 
them, I fear, as he fled at the first sign of 
danger. I do not know how to handle horses 
— 3^ou are at home with them — you will drive 
me to my home — say, you do not refuse? ” 

“Now how in the deuce did she know I was 
a hand with the beasts? ” thinks John Paul, 
with an inward groan as he sees that fortune is 
plainly getting him into trouble. He resolves 
to beg off— to even turn and move away under 
the pretense of finding an officer who will 
escort her home, when again that hand touches 
his arm. 

There is electrict3" in it, for he feels his heart 
beat faster than before. John Paul is not the 


40 


THE COLONEI, BY BREVET. 


first man who has allowed his gallantry to 
crush the feelings of suspicion and alarm that 
arise within. Did he possess less of that 
chivalrous spirit he might save himself much 
trouble. 

‘‘Madam/’ he says courteously, niaking a 
virtue of necessity, though with a grimace 
that the darkness mercifully hides, “ I am an 
American, and a gentleman. I can do no less 
than see j^ou to your own door, since j^ou have 
no protector near, and are in mortal dread 
of those men.” 

“I knew you would not only half do a piece 
of generous kindness, sir. From my heart I 
thank you. Ah! the horses grow restless; I 
am only amazed that the beasts have not 
taken it into their heads to run away before 
now. . I am very much afraid of horses. I 
know it is foolish, but how can I help it? 
they need a strong hand and recognize a 
master.” 

Now she speaks more like a Spanish woman 
than a native of France; John Paul has been 
much in Spain, and recognizes the peculiar 
manner that marks the Castilian She puzzles 
him, and he has a feeling that whoever she 
may prove, she cannot be an ordinary dweller 
in Vienna. 

“What you say about horses is true on 
general principles; they need a master hand 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


41 


at the helm, when they beeome snbjeet to the 
mind and will of the driver. These appear 
to be exeeedingly kind and gentle beasts of 
3^our’s, madam. They will give no trouble, I 
am sure.” 

He gathers the lines in his hands with the 
readiness of an expert. 

“Where will I drive you, madam ? ” he asks, 
just before springing into the front seat of the 
vehicle. 

She pauses ere repl3dng, and then softly 
mentions a strasse which he knows is pretty 
well taken up with nobility. Still, he is not 
greath^ surprised ; all along there has been 
something about this unknown lady that has 
convinced him he is talking with one of gentle 
blood. It is easy to tell that, with a traveler 
w ho keeps his e3^es and ears open wherever he 
goes. He repeats the direction to make sure 
he has it correct, at which the lad3^ quickly 
remarks: 

“You have it, monsieur. Pray do not 
longer delay lest those wicked men return, and, 
finding you the source of their alarm, do you 
harm. I am concerned lest monsieur suffer 
through having done me a favor.” 

It was very neatly put, and who with a 
heart could hear such words without feeling 
renewed interest in the speaker ? Besides, the 
fact that he has not yet looked upon the face 


42 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


of this charming creature adds a certain zest 
to the romance of it all. He forgets the 
warning of O’Shea with regard to a plot, 
for all of this has come about so naturally 
that he cannot believe there is anything back 
of it; a woman in distress never appealed in 
vain to John Paul, even if there was death back 
of the door. Perhaps this fact is known; it 
may have had some effect in determining the 
plans of the enemy. 

The American sees no reason for further 
delay on his part, so mentally arraigning him- 
self for a soft-hearted fool, he springs into the 
carriage, which has but one occupant; his eyes 
can pierce the gloom enough to make sure of 
this fact. 

He gives the lines the usual jerk so well 
known to the equine world, accompanying it 
with a chirrup. Obedient to his commands, 
the animals start forward. He fancies he 
hears a sigh of relief just behind him, and is 
sure of it when he catches a low whisper: 

“Thank Heaven ! he will save me ! ” 

The words make John Paul a little uneasy, 
and more fully resolved that when he reaches 
the door of the lady’s house he will secure the 
horses and take his departure. 

As the rumble of the carriage wheels sounds 
down the street a couple of heads are thrust 
from the door of the tobacconist’s shop, and 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


43 


ears strained to catch the departing noise. 
Then one of the men slaps the other on the 
back in a convivial way. 

“Scobeloff, shake hands, old fellow/’ he 
cries. 

“Willingly, my English friend, with pleas- 
ure,” suiting the action to the word. 

“ Scobeloff, the rat enters the trap ! ” laugh- 
ing horribly. 

“And now, my Lord Elmer, to spring the 
snare and catch the American rodent! ” chuck- 
les the Russian. 



CHAPTER lY. 


THE COLONEL DEPENDS UPON HIS COOL HEAD. 

Under the guidance of the American, who 
handles the ribbons with the dexterity of one 
born to manage horses, the equipage rolls 
along the streets of Vienna. Although the 
hour is what we might call comparatively 
late, over on this side of the water, in Vienna, 
fun loving, pleasure seeking Vienna, it is 
reckoned early. 

The speedily leave the gloomy strasse along 
which J ohn Paul has been picking his way as 
is customary with him when quitting the 
Volksgarten for his hotel, it being something 
in the nature of a short cut, and never before 
half so dark as on this especial occasion, 
when the lights appear to have been myste- 
riously extinguished for some reason. 

Once they debouch from the street that has 
been the scene of the disturbance, and enter 
upon one that is well lighted, the driver of the 
carriage sets his teeth hard and resolutely 

44 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


45 


turns his head away from a large building, 
which proves to be the famous caravansary 
at which he stops. Under the present circum- 
stances he does not wish to look at it, but 
only hopes he will be able to enter its hospitable 
doors again ere long. 

People are abroad, plenty of them, and 
numerous cabs and £acres dash hither and 
yon, but the man who drives the carriage 
steadily onward has no trouble in avoiding 
these flickering fireflies of the night, for his 
hand is steady and his head tolerably cool. 

As he drives John Paul thinks, and more than 
ever is he resolved to let this adventure end at 
the door of the madam’s dwelling, be it palace 
or cottage. He is in Vienna on serious business, 
connected with momentous affairs, and has 
not the time even did he possess the inclina- 
tion, to carry on an amour as a result of his 
peculiar predicament on this night. 

The singular part of the business is that 
even while stoutly arranging this programme 
in his mind, John Paul feels a strong curiosity 
to look upon the face of the unknown charmer 
who so positively declares that he has saved 
her from more than appearances would indi- 
cate. It will be seen that, all old sa3dngs to 
the contrary, man himself possesses a fair 
share of this failing, which is popularly sup- 
posed to be monopolized by the fair sex. 


46 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


He manages it well, too, considering the cir- 
cumstances of the case. They approach an 
exceedingly bright light, which will doubtless 
illumine the interior of the carriage. If he be 
wise enough to turn his head at the proper 
time, no doubt success will come, and he find 
his reward in seeing the face that is so close to 
his own. 

Quite a clever little idea, Mr. John, and you 
may well chuckle over it, but whether it will 
succeed or not is another question entirely. 
They tell us there’s many a slip ’twixt cup and 
lip, and indeed everyone must have experienced 
this fact. 

The light now shines squarely in front, and 
John sl^dy inclines the horses’ heads a little in 
that direction so that he ma3^ get the full bene- 
fit of the glare. Then he springs his trap. 

“Do I turn to the left or right, madam ? ” he 
asks, blandly, bringing his head around as he 
speaks, so as to face th^ lady; but even while 
in the act of doing so, he mentally growls over 
a defeat. 

True, the brilliant glare enters the carriage 
as he has expected, and illumines the whole 
interior; he can see the figure of the lady, and 
his quick eye takes note of the fact that she 
possesses a most charming figure, too, ele- 
gantly attired. When it comes to her face, 
however, he finds himself left out entirely, for 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


47 


a beastl 3^ veil covers what he feels sure must 
be a lovelj^ countenance, if it agrees at all with 
the st3"lish form. 

“To the left, monsieur — so Yevy kind of 3"OU 
— I know not how to express my gratitude,’’ 
she murmurs, but John turns his head suddenly 
and looks beyond the horses, for hebelieveshis 
ears have caught the low sound of a merry 
laugh. 

“She reads me like a book, and is making 
merry because I allow my curiosity to get the 
better of my prudence. I will not attempt it 
again. No doubt she is forty, and as ugly as 
sin. At any rate what does it matter to me? ” 
with which philosophical reflection he endeav- 
ors to entirely dismiss the subject and pay 
strict attention to business. 

To see how carefully he drives, one would 
imagine he has to deal with a pair of spanking 
Persian high strung horses, instead of the 
faithful cobs that move along so steadily, and 
which never offered to run away even when 
the carriage was stopped by the men whom 
the lady declares were something more than 
ordinary robbers, seeking to make way with 
her valuables. 

John Paul is piqued, very naturally, as a 
man will be upon being found out in a small 
matter he has entered on the impulse of the 
moment, and which he is naturally above. 


48 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


So he resolves to subdue this curiositj^to see 
the face back of the veil. What difference can 
it make to him whether the woman is 3"Oung 
or old ? John Paul is not in the market. John 
Paul flatters himself that he is something of a 
stern anchorite, capable of carrying out the 
ideas of the ancient worthy after whom he has 
been named, that the single state in life is best 
for a man of letters. 

For several minutes the vehicle jogs along in 
a steady fashion, and John pays strict atten- 
tion to business. His jaws are square set, and 
he sees nothing but the horses and the street 
be3^ond. 

Then he becomes aware of something that 
again makes his blood leap more swiftly than 
usual. Why is it that this man, who has 
believed himself above the ordinary failings of 
his fellows, should be thus affected by feeling 
the perfumed breath of his unknown passenger 
upon his cheek, as she bends forward to 
address him? For the life of him he cannot 
say. 

^‘Monsieur, 3^ou have forgotten,’’ she says. 

“ Pardon, madam, what is it?” he returns, 
with a feeling that he has made a serious 
mistake of some sort for which he must do 
penance. 

You have failed to tell me 3’^our name.” 

‘‘Ah! it does not matter,” he says, quickly. 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


49 


^‘Monsieur, it matters much to me/’ she 
breathes. 

“It is an insignificant name, unknown to 
fortune and to fame.” 

“Nevertheless its owner has been m3^ friend 
in time of need, monsieur; it would be cruel 
to withhold your name. Speak it, I beg.” 

He melts; that hard heart of the bachelor 
cannot hold out against the pleading voice of 
a woman, and with a sigh the son of Mars 
says : 

“It is plain John Paul, colonel b^^ brevet, 
through the grace of the czar, madam.” 

“Colonel Paul — I have heard it before,” she 
sa3^s, somewhat to the surprise of the 
American, who does not dream that he has 
ever done anything to make himself famous. 

So he does not immediately reply, and the 
steady horses jog along at the same pace. An 
idea creeps into his brain. 

“Would it be bold in me, madam, if I asked 
the same favor in return? In remembering 
this peculiar little adventure of the night in 
future times, I would doubtless be gratified to 
know who the lady might be whom fortune so 
kindly allowed me to assist.” 

Very neatly put, John thinks; surely there 
is nothing to offend about such a question. 
She does not appear to feel that he is rude, 


50 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


judging from the rapidity with which she 
ansy^ers. 

“Know me, then, as Marie Stanislaus.” 

She gives no sign of her rank, but this is not 
singular, since ladies are not so fond of boast- 
ing of their titles as men. He is assured now 
that she has French blood in her veins at least, 
though the latter part of the name would 
indicate the Pole. 

Beyond this he does not question; it would 
be unmannerly, to say the least. The name 
does not occur to him as familiar, and 
the probability is he has never heard it before. 

They jog on. Already the strasse which she 
has mentioned is reached. In ten minutes at 
the most they will arrive. He wonders 
whether her domicil is a palace or one more 
humble. At any rate it is among the houses 
of the great. 

Instead of abating, his curiosity concerning 
her has increased ; he is annoyed to discover 
this fact, but it appears to be a case of the 
mind being willing but the body weak. 

The strasse is well lighted. Vienna has few 
of her streets poorly illuminated, and in this 
the favored region of w^ealth and title, it may 
be set down that money will not be spared in 
showing the palaces of the Mecklenburgs, the 
Lichtensteins and the Hapsburgs, 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


61 


John Paul makes no pretense at concealing 
his face, and more than once people stare to 
see a foreigner driving a vehicle, under the 
light of a score of lamps. He pays no attention 
to them, having his thoughts in another 
quarter. 

Thus he fails to notice that a man, walking 
alone along the pavement, and heading in the 
same direction whence they are traveling, 
glancing over his right shoulder, seems almost 
paralyzed at sight of the driver of the 
carriage. 

This worthy, astonished, confused as he is, 
suddenly gets a new burst of speed upon him, 
and for a full minute keeps ahead of the vehicle, 
his eyes glued upon the face that never turns, 
but soberly looks away beyond the heads of 
the horses. 

This party, upon discovering that his strange 
antics have attracted the attention of the 
female passenger within the carriage, and 
that she shows some signs of alarm, at once 
falls back and appears to take no further 
interest in the matter. 

It is something in the nature of a bluff, for 
he is keenly awake to the importance of what 
he has seen, and while moving on, keeping his 
bright eye upon the vehicle now forging 
ahead, he mutters with a half growl : 


52 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“Confusion take it, there’s another man 
gone wrong, — John Paul, as fine a fellow as 
ever stalked a mountain sheep— John Paul, 
the very chap I warned against the artful 
vidders not many hours back, jogging along 
in a carriage, and with some artful schemer 
in petticoats behind him. The divil take it, 
this seems too much like a man driving the 
hearse at his own funeral. What if it should 
be that siren herself. Tare an ’ounds! I’m 
divilish sorry for him, if that’s so. I’d rather 
tie a stone around me neck and jump into the 
Danube, so I would, than to listen to the voice 
of that charmer. Ugh !” and the speaker, of 
course Cornelius O’Shea, again quickens his 
pace, dodging people going the other way, 
and thus managing to keep that eagle eye of 
his glued fast upon the suspicious equipage 
ahead. 

John Paul, honest in his intention to desert 
the unknown lady as soon as he has seen her 
to her door, dreams not of the deep designs 
she has upon him, since he cannot fathom the 
depth of a woman’s planning. 

lie is now engaged in eagerly looking 
for the house she described — the fourth on 
the left, from the cross strasse. Ah ! now he 
sees what he seeks— it is a costly pile, a palace 
that rears itself there, and 3^et he gives no 
expression of surprise. It is as though he has 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


53 


expected this, or else made up his mind to 
take things as they come, in a matter of fact 
way. The latter is probablythe truth, as it 
would be a characteristic of John Paul. 

As though a coachman to the manner born 
he brings the vehicle up against the curb, 
fastens the lines, leaps down and goes to the 
carriage door. This he unfastens, and courte- 
ously extends his arm to assisj the lady out. 

Madam, wehave arrived, ’Mie sa3"s, simply, 
as he helps her to the pavement, then raises 
his hat. 

“Madam, bon soir!^^ 

It is so very simple carrying out this pro- 
gramme of his, that John Paul cannot see 
where he may go wrong. All he has to do is 
to turn and walk quickly away, and in two 
minutes he will be well on the route to his 
hotel. 

And yet he miserably fails. Ah ! these wa3^s 
of women, how they overwhelm the best laid 
schemes of men. No matter what heroic 
deeds the so called lords of creation may have 
accomplished in the past, he is but putty in 
the hands of a designing woman. 

“ Monsieur ! ’’ 

She utters but this one word, but her 
gloved hand tightens on his arm, so that 
unless he uses rude force he cannot tear him- 
self away, and his gentlemanly instincts 


54 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


forbid this. Besides he has not yet seen 
oeeasion for alarm. 

As she thus addresses hitt\ in a quavering 
voice, and clings so desperately to his strong 
arm, the unknown raises her other hand and 
with a single motion sweeps aside the offending 
veil that has so long defied his scrutiny. 

The vicinity is well lighted, and, naturally 
enough the American uses his eyes ; what man 
would not under similar circumstances ? He 
sees what aim ost takes his breath away — a face 
that is certainly the loveliest his eyes have 
ever fallen upon, and this man ha^ roamed the 
world. It is slender in its contour but inex- 
pressibly sweet, with a pair of liquid orbs 
that seem to melt in tenderness — a face to 
charm the sturdiest old bachelor on earth — a 
face not to be resisted by an anchorite — a face 
that might cause the downfall of the greatest 
of heroes. 

No wonder John Paul stands there half 
entranced. Small blame to him if he feels a 
curious spell creeping over him. Stronger men 
than he have suffered ; there was a Samson of 
old who met his fate at the hands of a fair 
woman, and ever since others have had their 
Delilahs. 

John Paul no longer feels that half eager 
desire to break away, although he is in the 
condition of the fish when the net is cast 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


66 


around them. He simply stands and looks; 
such a face is a feast for eyes to gaze upon — 
e^^es that love beauty whether seen in the 
landscape, in flowers, a glowing sunset, or 
when stamped by heaven upon woman’s 
face, ofttimes her fatal dowr3^ 

Just now there is a look of alarm and pain 
upon that fair countenance. His quick eyes 
note it, althotigh John Paul confesses himself 
unable to decide, upon the spur of themoment, 
whether it be real or feigned ; he is a poor 
judge in such matters. 

“Monsieur, I am trembling — I am afraid. 
Let me lean upon 3^ our arm until the door is 
reached. There are those within who love me, 
who will tender! 3" care for me. You will not 
refuse me, sir.’’ 

Well, hardly. John Paul is in for it; he feels 
as though in a dream, and cannot shake 
off the subtle magnetism she seems to exert. 

He takes a step toward the palace; she 
hangs upon him confidingly, and really 
walks as though too weak to stand alone. 
Surely he wotild be a brute to refuse ; besides, 
what possible harm can there be in seeing her 
to the door ? It is absurd, and he walks slowly 
toward the steps with this lovely burden 
hanging on his arm, feeling meanwhile a 
peculiar sort of pride in being looked upon as 
a protector by such a rara avis of a woman. 


56 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


/ 


Poor John does not yet dream of 
all seems so perfectly- natural- he goes 

blindly along. Men who are blunt 

themselves are seldom quicP^^^ discover snares 
of the enemy, and little/’^^^^ "this bluff soldier 
of fortune imagine P^hat every step takes him 
deeper into the 


./ 



CHAPTER V. 


WALKING INTO THE JAWS OF THE TRAP. 

They reach the marble steps and begin to 
ascend. Really, the lady must have been 
badly frightened, she seems so weak that she 
leans very heavily upon him. Good Heavens ! 
he hopes she will not faint on his hands! 
Like all old bachelors the very thought of a 
woman in tears or in a faint takes his breath 
away and sets his knees to quaking. 

With this new fear tugging at his heart, 
John endeavors to hurry a little, but feels pity 
for the lady who has so strangely crossed his 
path, and whom he is sure must be of high 
rank — her face and manner indicate it, this 
elegant residence stamps the fact, and when 
she threw back her veil, disclosing her 
features, he remembers having a glimpse of 
rare diamonds on her neck and depending 
from her ears that are worth a small fortune. 

So he subdues the ^ fierce alarm that has 
arisen within his heart, and bends his face to 

67 


58 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


hers. The nearer they approach the door uhe 
more her weakness seems to tax her powers. 
If ever honest John Paul was conscious of a 
thrill of deadly fear it shoots through his heart 
just now. 

Three steps more and then deliverance; he 
fairly holds his breath while taking them. 
Joy! the last one has been placed behind, and 
as yet the dreadful catastrophe he fears worse 
than the mad assault of Bashi-Bazouks has 
not occurred. There is hope after all that it 
may be well. 

The massive door is before him ; he looks for 
the ponderous bronze knocker with which 
these old Austrian palaces are usually ecjuipped, 
but somehow fails to discover it. 

There is a bell,” breathes the faintest of 
voices, and the lady points to a spot beside 
the door, while she still clings to him with 
the other arm. 

He sees it now, and almost fiercely grasps it, 
to give a tremendous pull, for he has a terrible 
fear that the catastrophe may even yet occur 
before attendants can arrive. 

As the street is very quiet, he can hear the 
clamor of the bell within. Surely this will 
result in bringing one or more servants to the 
door, for such a palace must be swarming 
with them. Having thus done all he can he 
waits in an agony of suspense. The night 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


59 


has grown almost cold at this hour, and yet 
John Paul feels the dampness of perspiration 
upon his brow. It is the natural result of 
great emotion of mind. Under such circum- 
stances the weather has little effect upon the 
body. 

His hearing is strained to catch the coming 
of the servant whom his ring must have sum- 
moned, and John Paul believes the other cannot 
arrive any too soon to please him. 

He feels a movement on the part of his 
protege, and his heart almost loses a pulsation 
with the chill that sweeps over him. Some 
power draws his eyes around ; again they 
rest upon the face of a houri. John Paul sees 
with alarm the wan look upon that counte- 
nance; he feels that she is on the point of 
swooning. Great Heaven! will that slow 
moving servant never arrive ? Surely his feet 
must be weighted with lead. Now, the soldier 
hears him in the hall ; he stops to turn up the 
dimly burning gas, the fool, wasting such 
precious moments. 

‘‘Oh! monsieur!’^ breathes the soft voice, 
more like thd* sigh of a zephyr through the 
trees than anything else on earth. 

It has come, this avalanche, this earthquake 
that he has feared, and he could not be more 
sadly rattled if a toppling mass of snow and 


60 


THE COLONEL BY BRBYET. 




ice were rusliing clown upon him from the 
historic Alps. 

As Marie Stanislaus gives that one sigh, she 
seems to totter, losing all control over her 
senses. Involuntarily John stretehes out his 
arms; he would indeed be a brute not to do 
so, and thus receives the lovely burden. 

Here is a predieament for a baehelor who 
has fought shy of sueh entanglements for so 
many years. Strange as it may seem, the 
thought flies through his brain just then, what 
would Lady Jeanie think could she see him 
clasping the form of this fair one in his arms. 

He mutters an anathema against the fate 
that has harnessed him to this diffieult3^ As 
yet he has never once suspeeted that there is 
the least bit of design in anything that has 
oeeurred. Sueh an awakening must eome later. 

At any rate it is only for a brief time ; ere a 
dozen more seconds are tieked off, the servant 
even now advancing to the door will be on 
hand to reeeive his mistress in his sturdy arms. 
Gladly will John Paul release her, no matter 
if her beauty is such as to haunt a man for 
the remainder of his natural life; willingly 
does he antieipate transferring the woman 
who has swooned to the eare of her hireling, 
nor will he consider it any stain upon his honor 
to turn and deseend the steps three at a time 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


61 


as he goes in search of the nearest doctor, to 
return no more. 

Furies take the lagging serf, how lazily he 
approaches! It seems ten minutes to the 
American, fuming as he stands there, while in 
reality hardly that many seconds have passed. 

Now the other has reached the door; John 
Paul hears him unfastening the ponderous 
chain that secures the entrance. For what he 
believes will be the last time he glances down 
into the exquisite face so close to his own. 
The red lips are slightly parted, showing the 
pearly teeth bej^ond ; a wild impulse to press a 
kiss upon that delicious mouth passes over 
the soldier; he even inclines his head and then 
stops. Why does a vision of Jeanie Stockton 
come between, or is it the true manliness from 
within that stays him ? He mutters to him- 
self as though in scorn : 

“Don’t be st brute, John Paul; it’s bad 
enough to be a coward,” is what he says, and, 
all the more credit to him, resists the tempta- 
tion as few men in his place could. 

His quick glance fails to note the fluttering 
of the e^^elids, or a peculiar twitching at the 
corners of the lady’s mouth. Does she know 
what is passing in his mind, the tumult that 
for a few brief seconds rages within ? Perhaps. 

Ah I the door opens at last. 


63 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


He gives a gasp of relief that is almost 
immediately followed by a growl of anger. 
The servant for whom he has waited ages, as 
it seems, stands there in open-eyed wonder, 
but instead of the strong man whom he has 
expected he looks upon a slip of a girl, not 
even so large as her mistress. 

'‘Merci! what has happened, monsieur? 
Oh ! my poor, beautiful mistress ! She is dead. 
They have killed her, the brutes ! Mon Diett ! 
this is a terrible sight for my eyes, she so 
young, so lovely, so innocent! ” 

This wail ascends in French; the maid, with 
clasped hands, stands there not offering to 
relieve him, and John Paul vSees no termination 
to his dilemma. Truth to tell every moment 
takes him more deeply into it. 

‘‘Silence, child,’’ he sa^^s, sharply, “the lady 
is not dead. She has only fainted.” 

At once the slender maid changes her tone 
and gives vent to her delight. 

“Oh, monsieur, say you so? It is pleasure 
to me— a great pleasure. My heart beats 
again, my poor heart that seemed frozen with 
terror when first I saw her lying there in your 
arms. Only a swoon, say you? Joy, inex- 
pressible. It is to you, I am sure, monsieur, 
we are indebted for this.” 

How she babbles on, to be sure, with her 
mistress lying therein need of assistance; just 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


63 


like the French, John thinks. He frowns 
fiercely, so that the girl shrinks back half in 
fright; for the American’s countenance is such^ 
that he can look terrible when in anger. 

“Stop! ” he says, between his teeth, “speak 
only when I ask you a question. Can you 
summon a male servant to carry 3^our mistress 
to her room, for I do not mean to set foot in 
this house? Answer.” 

The girl wrings her hands with mute despair ; 
these French people beat the world for acting 
a part if the occasion demands it. 

“Alas, monsieur, it is impossible.” 

“ Wh3^ so ? ” he asks, instantly, and yet some- 
how it is just about what he might have 
expected, judging from the way matters have 
gone. 

“I am alone in the house, v/itli the exception 
of Andrew, who is too old and feeble to render 
assistance.” 

This is like the explosion of another bomb 
under the feet of the American. 

“ How does it happen ? ” 

“The rest have had permission to attend a 
ball ; they will not be home for at least an 
hour.” 

“ Confusion ! ” mutters the colonel. 

What can he do — drop his burden on the 
doorstep and take to his heels? There might 
be policy in such a move, as indeed a charging 


64 


THE COLONEL BY BKEVET. 


soldier no doubt sometimes thinks when he 
s^es the dark line of the enemy just in front. 
The thought he is not responsible for, since it 
comes unbidden ; but John Paul has faced 
frowning cannon too often, and been in the 
midst of battle smoke too frequently to run 
because danger comes in another guise. 

He makes his mind up ; destiny has written 
her fiat on the wall, and it is decided that he 
shall take one more step forward into the 
trap. The girl seems to fear lest he will desert. 

“Monsieur, for the love of Heaven, bear my 
sweet countess in. See, there is a light in the 
library ; a chair will receive her. I beg you to 
continue to be her friend ; she has sore need of 
such.” 

He shuts his teeth, and gathers the limp 
form still closer in order that he may walk. 
So, she is a countess ; well, it does not surprise 
him at all. He anticipated such a thing. 

“Lead on, girl,” he mutters. 

Ordinarily this man has a sunny disposi- 
tion, but just now he feels as though fate is 
taking advantage of the opportunity, and 
the fact of his being helplessly bound aggra- 
vates him, as it will all high spirited minds. 

She turns to obey. 

The American crosses the door sill and finds 
himself in a luxuriantly appointed hall. Evi- 
dences of wealth are all around him, but this 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


65 


man, who has seen the world and met monarchs 
face to face is not influenced to any extent by 
such a showing. 

When he passes along the hall, following 
the girl, he leaves the door wide open ; it is his 
design to place himself on the other side of it 
with all the haste possible, and 3^et, before he 
has crossed into the library whither she leads, 
he hears a heavy slam behind. The door, 
influenced by some unseen occult power, has 
closed, just as the trap shuts upon the rat 
while he nibbles at the cheese. 

John Paul receives a start, but he is in the 
game now, and must not be alarmed because 
a fugitive gust of wind causes the palace door 
to close with such a demoralizing bang. 

They enter the library ; a noble apartment, 
such as a zealous book collector might rave 
over, for there are treasures upon these shelves, 
even as there are masterpieces of sculptureand 
painting adorning the walls. 

A soft light shines from the elegant larrip 
upon the table, and \^et it is strong enough for 
him to see the whole interior of the apartment 
at a single glance. 

The maid has anticipated him ; she stands 
beside a large easy chair into which she has 
adjusted a soft pillow, snatched from some 
corner, and which she now pats into shape. 

^‘Here, monsieur, place her here, the darling 


66 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


lady. How white she looks; my heart mis- 
gives me again. Oh ! sir, assure me it is but a 
faint and not death I look upon. My soul, she 
so 3^oung, so very innocent, so good and beau- 
tiful, to die now. It would kill me, I love 
her so.’’ 

All this is of course calculated to make 
Colonel Paul look upon the lady as a sort of 
earthly angel ; it is intended for just that pur- 
pose. His military heart, far from flint in its 
texture, already seems touched ; the harsh lines 
on his face become less severe, and a softened 
look as of pity creeps over it. For the 
moment, in contemplating the helpless beauty 
who lies in the soft easy chair, he actuall^^ for- 
gets his eagerness to leave the house, and 
thinks of her. 

So she has enemies, who cause her gentle 
heart to flutter with deadly fear. Well, it 
should not be hard for one so exceedingly beau- 
tiful to find a bold champion who will dare all 
for her sake, and stand before the tempest. As 
for himself, though the opportunity is ripe and 
the temptation great, he does not care to 
become mixed up in a court scandal of any 
dimensions; to a soldier who prides himself 
upon his honor a worse thing could not hap- 
pen. 

The colonel comes to with a start, and, tear- 
ing his gaze from the angelic face of the helpless 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


67 


countess, turns his regards upon her waiting 
maid. 

“ Your name? he demands. 

‘‘Nanon, monsieur, she replies, at once, for 
he has much influence over those he comes in 
contact with; his soldiers have followed him 
into the jaws of death more than once on 
account of the devotion they feel for the Amer- 
ican officer. 

“Tell me, do you know where your mistress’ 
doctor, the family physician, lives? ” 

She looks alarmed. 

“ Oh ! monsieur, a long way off. I should be 
afraid to go for him,” she cries. 

“ Simple ! I mean to go myself,” he replies. 

“Monsieur! and leave me alone with her in 
this state? It would be murder. He could not 
arrive for half an hour, and she might mean- 
while die. You say it is only a faint, but if 
neglected it may be death. Would you kill 
her, monsieur? Look again at her lovely face, 
and tell me what to do. Let us restore her to 
her senses, and then you can go where you 
please, but for heaven’s sake do not leave me 
alone with her now. We have many medicines 
above; tell me what to get, and I will fly to 
obey,” she pants, wringing her hands. 

His last loophole of escape is thus closed, 
and there is nothing for him but to remain. 


68 


TJIE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


He tells her what to look for; simple 
ammonia will doubtless be sufficient to restore 
the action of the heart. She comprehends 
what he says, for it is plainly given, nods her 
prett3^ head, giving him a look of gratitude 
from her sloe-like eyes, and passes like a 
wraithe through the door, to return never 
again. 

Thus the colonel is left with the unfortunate 
lady whom fate seems to pursue so remorse- 
lessly. 



CHAPTER VI. 


“the count is— my husband!’’ 

It will only be for a fewniinutes at the most, 
he thinks, while standing there gnawing his 
military moustache and looking at a fine 
painting on the wall, a battle scene, by the 
way. His mind is busy, and if asked later on 
what the character of the picture is he would 
find it utterly impossible to say. 

When the maid returns with the hartshorn, 
he will apply it to the delicate nostrils of the 
senseless countess. As soon as she shows signs 
of returning animation he can let the girl con- 
tinue the treatment while he goes to keep an 
engagement. 

This is the programme mapped out for the 
immediate future. Really, so cleverly does the 
valiant colonel scheme, that it seems a pity 
fate should step in so remorselessly and down 
his plans; but what more can be expected 
when a man attempts to enter into a game of 

69 


70 


THE COLONEL BY BREYE1\ 


wits against a woman reared in European 
courts ? 

The ticking of a clock in the library is the 
only sound he hears in all the house, as he 
stands there with his face turned resolutely 
away from the beautiful figure in the chair. 

What is that? Surely it sounds like a sigh. 
Can the lady be coming to without the medium 
of salts or ammonia ? He whirls around, for 
it must be understood that as yet he has no 
palpable reason to look upon the lovely 
countess in any other light than that of an 
unfortunate lady in need of sympathy, and 
his wary actions are more the result of general 
principles than particular alarm. 

He bends down. 

At this instant the eyelids flash open and 
those divine )rbs meet the glance of his own, 
holding his soul captive more firmly than if 
chains encumbered his limbs. He seems 
to 'feel as though a net, the meshes of which 
are of fine spun silk, has been cast over him by 
fair hands. In the amazing depths of those 
wonderful eyes he sees strange things; in a 
word, the bold colonel is charmed just as truly 
as the bird that flutters to and fro in front of 
the coiled rattlesnake. A strange simile to 
offer, perhaps, looking at the beauty of this 
woman ; but the history of the world declares 
that there have been occasions — rare, thank 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


71 


[leaven — when the fairest of women have 
possessed natures similar to the serpent that 
tempted Mother Eve ; their God-given beauty 
is baseh^ used to attract foolish men, like 
moths fluttering around the candle, until their 
wings are singed and they fall, blackened and 
dying, at the base. 

She thus magnetizes him for the space of a 
dozen seconds, after which John Paul seems to 
have changed. He forgets that he has sworn 
to fly from the house just as soon as the 
countess gave signs of returning conscious- 
ness. 

“ preserver, 3^011 have been noble, kind, 
to remain until I am again m3^self,” she mur- 
murs, reaching out her hand to him impulsively. 

He takes it as one in a dream might ; if he 
can on1\^ tear his eyes away from hers, there 
ma3"be hope for him, but she knows her power 
and dares not release him ; he has not yet been 
sufficiently magnetized to make it safe. 

“You feel better, madam ? ” he asks, courte- 
ously. 

“Yes, lam slowly recovering. I remember 
what occurred. The last thing was when you 
saw me fainting on the doorstep. Did I fall ? 
raising her hand to her head in a mechanical 
way, as if some pain there causes her to sus- 
pect that she may have received a bruise. 


72 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“Not SO, madam; I was there, and had the 
honor to catch 3^ou as 3-^011 fell.” 

Her face lights tip, and she gives him a rare 
smile that somehow sets his blood to tingling 
again. 

“Did 3rou, monsieur, carrtr me in here? ” 

“I did,” he replies, somehow feeling guilty, 
although unable to see how he could have 
done otherwise under the circumstances. 

“Then I owe you still more gratitude.” 

Again that word ; it seems to jar upon his 
nerves. What he has done for her has been a 
veiw simple service, and for any female in dis- 
tress he would have put himself to the same 
amount of trouble. Hence, he winces every 
time she speaks of being under such heavy 
obligations. He imagines he detects irony 
beneath her tones, although her words seem 
to mean all the}^ sa3^ 

“Monsieur, would you add still more to 
your kindness? I would send a note to an old 
friend. Prince Romanoff, the companion of my 
father. I am in deep trouble, and he will come 
to help me. You know his palace? ” 

Yes, John had seen it; he must pass it on 
his way to where he can get a vehicle. So he 
nods and virtually agrees to what she asks. 

“Take my vehicle at the door, monsieur. 
Use it as 3^011 will. I would that I could fitly 
express what I feel to one brave American — ” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


73 


He holds his hand up. 

I beg, madam, you will not mention it.’^ 

“Ah! you are modest. Colonel Paul. A 
Frenchman would bow and smile and receive 
all the compliments that could be showered 
upon him. You of the States seem hardly to 
know when you have done a wonderful thing. 
I have heard of you, and your name has never 
been spoken of in my presence but as that of a 
brave man.^’ 

Seeing that he does not look pleased, she 
laughs, and reaches out for some paper on the 
table. A pen and ink are conveniently near. 
She writes, not rapidly, but as though 
choosing her words — writes in the guarded 
manner those who live in thecourts of Europe 
learn to use. 

The American turns to one side and nerv- 
ously taps his foot upon the floor. Time is 
passing, and he remembers that he is not yet 
beyond the portals of the door. All he waits 
for now is the expected letter. Gladly will 
he deliver it at the palace of the prince and 
leave the carriage to take his highness to the 
side of the lady who seeks his assistance. 

Several minutes pass. From the upper part 
of the house comes a sound of something fall- 
ing, perhaps a glass or a bottle. It serves to 
make him remember that there is such a 
creature in the world as a maid called Nan on 


74 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


— an artful girl, who seems to be having more 
trouble than she anticipated in discovering the 
ammonia flask, which she was so sure she 
could place her hand upon as easily as saying 
the word. 

Even yet the colonel sees as through a glass, 
darkly. Presently the full measure of the situ- 
ation will flash upon him, and he may read 
while he runs, all will be so very plain. 

She looks up at him ; he hopes she is done, 
but that idea is quickly dispelfed. 

“You are growing impatient. I have 
imposed on you. It is cruel in me. You would 
be only too glad to quit my presence,’’ she 
says. 

John Paul is not a hypocrite. 

“I am impatient to go, madam, but I will 
wait until your letter is done. I will carry it 
to the house of the prince, and leave the car- 
riage for him to come the more speedily,” he 
replies, soberly bowing. 

Her eyes send a shaft at him. 

“You are kind, monsieur. I will detain you 
but a short time longer.” 

Again she writes. 

The colonel watches her now, not to read 
what she places upon the paper, but to note 
the graceful hand from which she has torn the 
glove, and on which sparkle jewels that fairly 
blaze in the lamplight. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


75 


A fairer picture no man ever saw than this 
woman as she sits there penning line after line. 
Who can be her enemies ? Why do they perse- 
cute her ? Has she no father, no brothers to 
protect her ! Good heavens ! she is a countess ! 
Then where is the count? Can she be a 
widow ? Perhaps — and he has known it to be 
so, that her enemy is under her own roof— it 
may be the count whom she fears so dread- 
fully. 

More minutes elapse, and Nan on, who flew 
so quicklj’ upon her errand, still lingers above 
in a way that is strangely suspicious, to say 
the least. 

Never in all his life has the gallant soldier of 
fortune felt such nervousness. He gnaws 
awa3^ at his nether lip until he almost makes 
the blood come. Really, this is getting bev^ond 
the limits of a joke — human endurance cannot 
stand it. 

She is ready at last; she must be done, for 
she lays down her pen, glances over what she 
has written, frowns a little, and then smiles. 

The rattle of a carriage hurriedly driven can 
be heard out upon the street. John Paul pays 
no heed to it, but watches her fold the letter. 
Then she slips it into an envelope. 

Just then the carriage comes to a stop; it is 
somewhere out there in front of the palace. 


THte COLONEL BY BREVE'E. 


Y6 

He hardly notices the fact, because he is 
intently engaged in watching her face. 

This has suddenly assumed an expression of 
deep alarm. It has been flushed while she 
bends oyer and writes; almost instantly it 
turns as pale as death. If this be acting it is 
the work of one who would win plaudits upon 
the stage with a Bernhardt. 

She springs from her chair. John has just 
received the letter, and surveys her with an 
expression of surprise, not unmixed with a 
little concern, for like an old war horse he 
scents the smoke of battle afar, and feels a 
little uneasy about what manner of storm is 
going to break upon him. 

As quickly as words can tell it, the countess 
flies to the end of the room, that end which is 
nearest the strasse. Here the deep windows 
have heav3wel vet curtains ; she draws one of 
these aside ; he can see her bending forward as 
though eagerly endeavoring to discover what 
the stoppage of that vehicle signifies. 

Somehow, the colonel is interested to such 
an extent that he unconsciously follows her 
across the library, though not with the swift, 
gliding motion that has marked her advance. 

When he reaches her side he inclines his head 
to look out. Sure enough the carriage has 
drawn up at the curb, and without waiting 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


77 


for the driver to jump down, someone inside 
impatiently bursts open the door and jumps 
out. 

It is a man. He bends over to speak, and 
out comes a second figure. Surprising as this 
may be, even a third and fourth follow. 

One of them John Faul has his eyes upon; 
he has seen him before, and knows the other as 
the most dreaded man in all Austria, the head 
of the secret police, an organization that par- 
takes somewhat of the nature of the infamous 
Third Section in Russia. Yes, General Kobalt 
it most certainly is. 

What does he want here at this hour of the 
night, and who are his companions ? Is this 
lovely countess a Socialist or Nihilist, plotting 
to take the life of the emperor, and does this 
indicate a midnight arrest ? 

She has started back now, uttering low 
cries of horror and alarm. He feels sorry and 
would perhaps express himself, but she gives 
him no opportunity. One little hand touches 
his arm and with a strength he never dreamed 
she possesses, the countess drags him, unresist- 
ing, from the window. He looks in her face; 
her features work as though she suffers great 
agony. 

‘‘Did you see him? All is lost! He will 
never believe my story. My God ! What shall 


78 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


I do? You — you, noble preserver, will be 
killed,’^ she moans wringing her hands in 
distraction. 

“Do 3'ou refer to General Kobalt? I chance 
to know the gentleman. An\' influence I may 
bring — ’’ 

‘‘ My soul! it is not that one. Did 3^011 not 
see, brave John Paul? Count Scobeloff is 
there.” 

“Well, what of that? Count Scobeloff and 
I are not friends, but I have no reason to fear 
him,” proudly. 

“ Good Heavens ! he does not comprehend. 
They were baffled by 3^ou in the strasse — now 
it is his turn. He comes here to do murder — 
finds you in his house. My God! don’t you 
understand, brave American? The count is 
— my husband 


CHAPTER YII. 


SOMETHING NOT DOWN IN THE PLAN OF CAM- 
PAIGN. 

With a sudden snap the cruel trap has 
sprung. It flashes through the mind of the 
American colonel with a rapidit^^ that cannot 
be reckoned any other way than b3^ a compari- 
son with lighting. The scales begin to drop 
from his eyes. Things that were very dim 
and uncertain before now loom up distinct! 3\ 

He turns his regards upon the lovely woman 
at his side; she still clutches his arm, but 
somehow dares not yet look in his face. Never- 
theless, she plays her part to perfection. 

“You say Count Scobeloff is your husband ? 
I am at loss to understand. Rumor sa3^s he 
is a member of the reigning Russian family,” 
— she nods violently at this— “that he has 
made a morganatic marriage with a French 
lady known in the courts of Europe — good 
Heavens, you are not Marie, the Countess Di 
Rimini ?” bursting out with this question as 

79 


80 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


though the thought has suddenly darted into 
his brain. 

It is true, monsieur,” she exclaims. “ Oh ! 
what will become of us? The count is so 
jealous, and his temper is fearful. He has 
companions as you see — the worst men in all 
Vienna to deal with. It is cruel that you, so 
noble, so generous, should be drawn into such 
trouble for my sake.” 

The colonel by brevet fortunately preserves 
the wonderful coolness for which he iias 
always been noted, and there seems to be a 
certainty that it will all be needed now. He 
feels that the men outside must probably stop 
to confer before they enter the house, which 
gives him at least a breathing spell. 

“Madam,” he says, and she is amazed to 
note that not even a quaver breaks his steady 
voice, “do not worry on my account. For 
yourself I maybe extremely sorry, unless there 
is a depth to this occurrance which I have 
hardly fathomed. As to John Paul, he has 
long been accustomed to dealing with men of 
war. As I am in the employ of the czar I 
should dislike very much to injure a member 
of the Russian royal family, but I am a man 
not to be trifled with. 

“You would resist, monsieur? ” she cries. 

“Well, I reckon that is just what I would do. 
We men of the States allow no one to ride 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


81 


over us rough shod, be he prmce or peasant. 
I have no desire to be trampled on ; yes, I will 
resist to the utmost ; someone will get hurt.^’ 

‘‘Oh! monsieur, you must not think of 
resistance. I can hide you from his sight. 
You do not know the count. In a case of 
this kind he will become a fiend. Yes, before 
many minutes have passed a cra^y man will 
be bursting in through yonder door — a crazy 
man who seeks your blood — and mine. 

How dramatically she sketches the advent 
of the furious husband on the scene 1 It is a 
charming picture; she so excited and eloquent, 
he cool and collected, but none the less pointed 
in his speech. Calmly he puts his hand to his 
pocket. 

“ Well, let this hurricane come on. I have 
met mad men l^efore — and mastered them. 
What care I whether he has companions? 
Here is something that has defended me 
against as many before, and I reckon it will not 
fail me now, albeit this is the first occasion it 
has had to be raised against an infuriated 
husband with a cutting emphasis on the 
word, for John is no longer groping about in 
the dark, having arrived at the conclusion 
that he has fallen a victim to a great con- 
spiracy. 

The trap ma 3 ^ have closed in on its prey, but 
the rodent is still capable of showing its teeth. 


82 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


As is often the case, the imprisoned rat is a 
dangerous thing to handle. 

While he thus speaks so emphatically the 
American has drawn something from his 
pocket — something upon which the lamplight 
shines wickedly — something that looks like 
polished steel. The countess sees and gives a 
low cry. 

Mon Dieu ! A revolver! You would shoot! 
You would even kill ! ” 

“That is just my present intention. My life 
is in danger; I am armed, hence someone is 
bound to be hurt. I am innocent of wrong 
doing. To assist a lady in distress I am 
placed in a compromising position. Therefore 
if these madmen who seek my blood attack 
me, there is a chance that the Austrian secret 
police will need a new leader b\^ to-morrow, 
and that the royal family of Russia will be rid 
of one who has never yetbroughthonortoit.’^ 
It is the man who shoots to kill who speaks 
— ^the man who has faced danger in many 
climes and never yet showed the white feather. 
Marie, Countess di Rimini, realizes that mat- 
ters are not running in the groove set for them. 
Had it been otherwise, this man, frightened by 
the doom that overwhelms him, would now 
be cringing and beseeching her to save him 
from the fury of those who will soon be burst- 
ing in at the door of the palace. The plan has 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


83 


been neatly laid, and so far as trapping the 
man is concerned has been a success, but evi- 
dently they counted without their host, and 
failed to take into consideration the kind of 
game they were to deal with. 

The woman realizes that if those who come 
burst into the library just now blood will flow, 
for the armed American is evidently a desper- 
ate customer. She cannot but admire his 
brave front; such daring will challenge respect 
even in a brutal foe, and a woman is so consti- 
tuted that she worships a hero. At the same 
time she is enlisted against this man whose 
gallantry has been the cause of his present dif- 
ficulty, and must continue to work his down- 
fall. 

Pretending to be greatly agitated, she sud- 
denly seizes the revolver and snatches it from 
him. 

“There must not be bloodshed — I will pre- 
vent it. While I thus protect the life of my 
husband I will do the same for you, brave 
Colonel Paul. You are innocent, and blood 
must not, shall not flow because you have 
done me a service.’^ 

He is in a new dilemma. His weapon is 
gone, and he cannot recover it unless he use 
force, which he will hardly care to do with ref- 
erence to a lovely woman. This gives a new 
complexion to affairs. If the four men burst 


84 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


in upon him now, he has nothing but his bare 
knuckles with which to defend himself, and, 
although he may be an accomplished boxer, 
what will this avail him when so sadly out- 
numbered, and his foes heavily armed ? 

His face takes on a new expression when he 
thus realizes the desperate state of his affairs 
— a hard, stern look that, to contemplate, 
sends a shiver over the fair woman. She has 
secreted the weapon in her bosom ; he dares 
not attempt to reclaim it, even though con- 
scious that his honor, perhaps his very life, is 
the stake being played for. 

“ Come with me, monsieur le colonel. There 
is a small room yonder, back of this. In that 
3^ou can be secreted. At least it will delay 
matters, and allow me time to speak with 
him. Besides, he may cool down, this furious 
count, and be in a frame of mind to listen to 
reason.’’ 

He sneers at this, knowing now the true 
status of the case. There is not much chance 
of Scobeloff cooling down when his fury is 
all assumed in the first place. 

At the same time he wonders whether it may 
not be wise to accept this opportunity. Per- 
haps there may be another method of exit 
from the small room, and while the countess 
pretends to be reasoning with his enemy, her 
husband, he can manage to make his escape. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


85 


It all seems too ridieulous, this dodging a 
foe he really despises. Colonel John Paul is 
ready to snap his fingers at the aetual per- 
sonal danger involved, but there is another 
phase to the case that gives him cause for 
woriy. 

His honor is at stake. These people move in 
court circles in Vienna, and, once a scandal 
comes out, the American will find himself a 
hero of the peculiar stripe he has always 
detested. 

To avoid this he is even willing to play a 
part that does not correspond with his general 
character ; he will show the white feather, and 
tr3^ to avoid an encounter. 

These things have all occurred in less time 
than it takes to read them. At any moment 
now, they may expect to hear the count and 
his fellows entering the palace in disorder, 
seeking the victim who has walked into the 
greatest rat-trap ever baited in wicked Vienna. 
Whatever he decides to do, time must not be 
lost. Under such circumstances as these every 
second counts. 

“ I will go with you, madam, but remember, 
if those men burst in upon me I am the one to 
fight to the death, no matter if I have but a 
chair in my hand. I believe I saw a Cossack 
whip, the nagajka, in the hand of the count; 


86 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


if he attempts to lay that upon me there will 
be a dead man in this house. Lead on.” 

Even while he thus speaks he has a new 
idea, and it gives promise of development. 
Marie, the countess is a handsome woman ; 
she has been picked out by one who belongs to 
the royal family, and who is in reality her 
husband. It can be set down as certain that 
she may be as jealous as most women. 
Although John Paul does not profess to be an 
expert in such matters, he believes he can read 
this much in her nature. 

If this be so it is evident that she does not 
comprehend the true cause of the eount^s 
hostility toward the American. There are 
other minor reasons, but, as John has 
explained to O’Shea, the main casus bellum 
between them springs from the fact that the 
English girl, Lady Jeanie, gives her smiles to 
the American, and not to her other admirers. 

Here, then, is a hot shot that can be 
dropped where it will do the most good — 
squarely into the magazine of the count’s fort, 
his home. 

She turns the moment he promises to follow, 
and hastens to a door at the back of the room. 
This is partly ajar, and he can see a light 
within. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


87 


The3^ pass the portal, bat he immediately 
tarns to prevent her leaving him yet. 

A minate, madam. 

“Bat they ma\^ rash in apon as — let me go,’’ 
she cries, endeavoring to pass. 

“There is not mach danger of that, antil 
they receive some signal,” he says meaningly; 
‘ ‘ while we have a brief spell of rest I wish to 
inform yoa of certain facts \^oashoald know.” 

His exasperated coolness is in decided con- 
travSt to her burning anxiety to depart. 

“ Another time , — Mon Dieu ! yoa forget that 
they are coming — may be here even now,” she 
pants, bat that form in front is as steady as a 
rock, and stands between herself and the door. 

“ It is absolatel^^ necessary that yoa shoald 
know this fact before yon meet yoar hasband. 
It concerns myself and the reason why he 
hates me.” 

“Ah!” she breathes, and becomes a little 
less violent. 

“There is a bright faced English girl whose 
life I saved in the Alps a year back. We have 
met several times since, and regard each other 
as warm friends. This Coant Scobeloff has 
an eye for beaaty.” 

She hangs her head and no longer makes a 
move to escape, for like a flash of ganpowder 
all the jealoasy in her woman’s heart has 
jamped into being. 


88 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘He has long admired her, and fancies I am 
his successful rival. There you have it in a 
nutshell, madam. There is another Richmond 
in the field also; you may have met him — Lord 
Elmer.’’ 

“ Yes, yes. I cannot ^Delieve what you sa3" 
to be true, monsieur ; jon must be mistaken, 
and yet — and yet — you did not tell me her 
name? ” 

“It is Lady Jeanie Stockton,” he replies. 

“MonD/en/” 

“You have met her — you know her? ” 

“Yes — yes, but I cannot believe it. She is 
not able to be a rival of mine,” proudly. 

John Paul understands; he admits that the 
English girl cannot be compared with this 
regal creature in point of beauty, but when he 
remembers the frank look upon the face ol 
Lady Jeanie and sees in imagination her clear, 
laughing e3"es, he knows deep down in his 
heart which of the two he would take, were 
the choice given him. 

“That is all I wish to state, madam. Now 
you may go to meet the count,” conscious 
that he has put an idea into her head that 
will perhaps work to some advantage. 

She obeys him and closes the door; ere he 
can spring to open it the key is turned in the 
lock, and a soft voice close to the crack calls: 

“Monsieur, I have taken the key ; be of good 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


89 


cheer, and do not anger Rudolf more than is 
necessary. Let us hope it will come out well.” 

Then she is gone and the proud American is 
left alone with his thoughts, which are not 
very pleasant ones, to be sure. He feels as 
though he has made a fool of himself, and 
must now pay the penalty of it all. 

His first act upon finding the door locked is 
to glance around him. Under such circum- 
stances a brave man desires to know how he 
can best defend himself in case escape is cut 
off. 

There is a window, but across it have been 
fastened heavy oaken bars, making the little 
den look very much like a prison cell. 

As soon as his c\^es fall upon these the colonel 
knows that the suspicion he has entertained 
ever since the carriage stopped at the curb is a 
reality. This has all been a prearranged 
scheme, and the lovely countess has been an 
actor in it. Fancy the devilish cunning and 
audacity of this man, making his wife a party 
to a plot to punish his supposed rival in the 
affections of another. Colonel Paul hardly 
knows whether to admire his cunning or abhor 
his depravity most. 

Ah ! his eye falls upon another door. It is at 
the end of the apartment, and no doubt opens 
upon some hall or balcony. He springs to it, 
grasps the knob, turns and twists in vain. 


90 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


then drops it with a muttered anathema upon 
his luck. 

It looks most certainly as though he is 
doomed to be shut in there, and must await 
the grand denouement. This may be delayed 
some little time, as the count will no doubt 
enjoy tantalizing his intended victim, but 
before the passage of many minutes it will 
have occurred. 

Being thus cut off from retreat, John Paul’s 
next thought is in the direction of defense. 
What can he find here which will serve him in 
that line ? 

The gas illumines the small room with 
enough power to show him that although 
there are hooks in great number upon the 
walls, where arms of various makes have been 
suspended, not a weapon of any sort remains 
in this private den of the Russian nobleman. 

This, he takes it, is another bit of evidence 
that the whole business has been artfully laid 
out ahead. Every preparation has been made 
for him here — ^liis coming anticipated. 

Little evidences of interest taken in his 
arrival are apt to charm most guests, but they 
certainly have an opposite effect upon the vic- 
tim of the count’s plot, since he sees no friend- 
liness shown in any of these preparations, only 
bitter hatred and a desire to injure his body 
and character. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


91 


The only thing that seems to promise him 
assistance in the shape of a weapon is a cudgel 
that has somehow been neglected, and which 
he discovers in a corner. This he seizes hold 
of. It is almost the lengtli of an ordinary 
base ball bat, though not so heavy; but in the 
hands of an Irishman this stick would make 
an elegant shillalah. 

John imagines he may be able to use it to 
good advantage himself, and with a muscular 
arm such as he possesses the rude weapon may 
be made to play a very lively part in the game 
that seems destined to soon break out. 

As yet all is silence in the library. No doubt 
the countess has gone to give the prearranged 
signal that will inform the men without of the 
success attending their game; that the rat is 
caged within the inner trap, and only awaits 
dragging forth, which latter is the identical 
part John Paul hopes to make interesting for 
the quartette. 

He stands at bay, where he can fall upon 
them the moment they open the door. Then 
he swings the stout cudgel around once or 
twice, in order to accustom his arm to its 
use. 

^‘Let ^em come,’’ he growls, ‘Hhey will have 
their hands full managing me. Bullets or no 
bullets, if that devil of a count dares to use 
his infernal Cossack nagajka on me I’m 


92 


THE COLONEL BY BRETET. 


bound to break his imperial head with this 
stiek.” 

“Bravo, Colonel dear, bravo ! 

“Thunder and Mars! Who speaks?’^ and 
John Paul jumps several inches from the floor 
in his intense amazement. 

“Sure, iPs mesilf, dear boy, only a wanderin’ 
vagrant of an Irishman.” 

The colonel’s eyes distend when he sees a 
portion of the wainscoting open up ; and who 
is it steps jauntily out but his friend Cornelius 
O’Shea? In his life John has had many a sur- 
prise, but never one that took his breath away 
like this. 

“Good heavens! man, are 3^ou too in league 
with these plotters? ” he bursts out with, the 
cudgel still upraised in the air as though 
anxious to get _ to work upon someone’s 
cranium. 

“The divil a bit, me boy. I’m here on 
diplomatic business for the sultan ; heard the 
count had saycret papers of value; got my hint 
of this hiding place from a discharged family 
servant; saw 3^ou jogging along in the car- 
riage, but managed, you see, to reach here 
before 3^ou turned up. Inten^upted in the 
midst of me hunt for the papers, which I 
secured by the same token, by 3^ our coming in, 
carrying the lovely charmer — knew you were 
in for it, and awaited developments — popped 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


93 


into me hole in the wall when je advanced, 
heard all ye said, and bless your sweet soul, 
John Paul, here I am on deck to save ye 

The hearty hand shake emphasizes his 
words, and John Paul knows he has a friend 
in this man as true as steel. Let the winds of 
adversity blow as fiercely as they please, 
nothing can ever shake the fidelity of Corney 
O’Shea. 

“Good, old fellow. You understand that I 
fear no personal injury.” 

“Exactly,” with a dry chuckle. 

“It is my reputation they seek to stain, so 
that a pure girl like Jeanie Stockton may look 
upon me with aversion,” and honest John 
groans even while he grits his teeth. 

“Well, that’s what I am going to try to 
save, only you must give me your word in the 
start to obey orders, or I don’t attempt it,” 
says Corney. 

“It is 3^ours. I will do what you say.” 

“Good. We must be quick about it, for, 
unless I miss me guess, the bold count and his 
friends will soon be on to us.” 

“Do you mean to hide yonder? Isn’t the 
hole known to the count? ” 

“The man who informed me said not, and 
we must chance it. There’s one unfortunate 
thing about it,” 

“And that? ” quickly. 


94 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“Bedad, the saycret niche in the wall will 
only hold a single person.” 

The colonel grunts his disgust. 

That ends it,”he says, plainly disappointed. 
‘‘Eh?” 

“ Go back into your hole, old fellow, and let 
me meet the rascals. There is no need of two 
being involved in this matter. Sound the 
retreat, Corney, while I lie in wait to repel 
boarders.” 

“Em of the same opinion, me boy; there is 
no need of two being involved. Therefore do 
you push into the retreat while I close the panel 
on ye.” 

“Never! ” cries the colonel by brevet firmly. 

“ Stop ! Ye forget.” 

“What?” 

“Your promise, sure. It’s me order that 
ye enter. I’ll have no rebellion in this camp.” 

“But, Corney, 3^ou — ” 

“Silence. I’ve no reputation to lose; least 
wa3"S,” with a quaint smile, “these people will 
be mighty careful that the story never leaks 
out if Corney O’Shea is the hero of it, ye 
understand.” 

John grasps this one point. 

“But these men, there are four of them; 
they may do you harm in their rage,” he 
expostulates, unwilling to let his friend face 
the music alone. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


95 


Corney laughs softly. 

“Sure, there are seven of us, all told — meself 
and these six elegant little byes,” and he holds 
up a revolver carelessly. 

“Thank God, youat least are armed. That 
— the countess got possession of my weapon, 
you know,” with something of agrimace. 

“Well, she wonT lay hands on this one,” 
declares the Irishman. “I was right, John, 
when I warned 3’^e, it seems. The story will 
do to keep. Just at present we have our 
hands full.” 

“Rather,” returns the colonel, drily. 

“Listen! I hear their voices.” 

“Yes, they think it time to turn up. The 
rat has had a chance to run around in his 
trap and begin to dispair. Now they are 
coming to end his misery — as they believe to 
apply the whip to a defenseless man and bruise 
hirri both mentally and physically. For 
Heaven^s sake let me have that revolver, 
Corney; I will teach these cowardly curs 
what metal an American soldier is made of.” 

But Corney holds the weapon away and 
pushes him toward the little niche in the 
wainscoting. 

“Sure it’s meself that is aching to show 
them what an Irish soldier of forttine is equal 
to. Remember what is at stake. Colonel, 
your honor as a gentleman in the eyes of the 


96 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


English girl. There now, make yourself as 
comfortable as the limited accommodations 
will allow.’^ 

There is no use trjdng ,to buck against the 
Irishman's will, and hence John forces his six 
feet into space better adapted for five; Corney 
squeezes the woodwork back into place, and 
a sharp click announces that some hidden 
spring has caught. 

“It’s on the left, if ye want to get out, 
near the middle of the wood ; press on it. 
Ye can breathe all right, I’m thinking, me dear 
boy,” whispers O’Shea, just on the other side 
of the partition. 

“Yes, yes, don’t worry about me,” replies 
John, who feels as though he were in his coffin, 
such are the confined quarters in which he has 
taken up his lodging. 

“Then keep your ears open, and by me faith 
ye’ll hear some mighty interesting talk. 
When the coast is clear I’ll let ye out, and we’ll 
go slipping from the palace door so fine. I’ve 
got the papers, and by the powers I hope ye 
have saved your reputation.” 

Then Corney ceases to speak. It is high 
time, for operations have already begun in 
the library, and t\\^£naleoi the game of fraud 
is about to be brought out with red lights 
and a tableau. 


CHAPTER YIII. 


HOW THE o’SHEA WON, HANDS DOWN. 

Loud voices sound in the library; angr3^ 
voices, too, as though the speakers are very 
much exasperated, or at least endeavor to 
appear so. 

Of course this is the count and his friends 
passionately seeking the villain who has 
entered his palace in secret, who makes love to 
the woman he calls wife, who must be chas- 
tised and his name branded as that of a pol- 
troon. 

A hand clutches the knob of the door 
between the library and the count’s den; it is 
shaken with great fury. 

‘‘ Who locked this door? Where is the key ? 
It was in the lock three hours ago. The key, 
do 3"ou hear, woman? Produce it,” roars the 
strident voice of the man who hates Colonel 
Paul, and takes such a singular method to 

7 p7 ' 


98 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


rum him, at least in the eyes of one person — 
Jeanie Stockton. 

Again he shakes the door as though in a 
paroxysm of rage he would tear it down ; 
these desperate husbands are terrors at such 
times, and woe to the unlucky dog who 
chances to run up against their fury. 

Then can be heard sobs, and a woman’s 
voice. How well she plays her part, this clever 
actress, who was known as an adventuress at 
the time the Russian nobleman succumbed to 
her charms and bought her with a marriage 
license. 

‘‘Rudolf! For pity’s sake, hear me. I am 
innocent, indeed I am. You shall hear the 
stor3^” 

“Story,” he scoffs, with almost a howl, “I 
want no story, madam. What I do demeind 
is the key to this room. You have it; lean 
read the truth in ^^our face. Gentlemen, bear 
me witness that I have twice asked her courte- 
ously for the key before I proceed to use 
violence. What is that she has dropped, 
Kobalt? Ah! the key. Hand it to me. Now 
we shall see what is be3^ond this door, and, 
by heaven,” giving a vicious snap to the short 
handled whip he carries, which is a terror to 
the Cossack’s foes, “it will go hard with him 
if I find my suspicions confirmed.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


99 


The key rattles in the lock and the door 
swings open. It is the count who springs first 
of all into the room, but the others immedi- 
ately follow. 

Perhaps they expect to find a man cowering 
in deadly fear in a corner, or at least awaiting 
their coming with decided alarm. Their amaze- 
ment is therefore very great upon seeing quite 
an entirely different scene. 

A man is in sight, truly, but his attitude is 
about the most careless and indifferent one 
could well imagine. Seated in a chair, he has 
his feet cocked up on a table. His hat is drawn 
over his eyes to some extent, and as his seat 
happens to be almost directly under the gas 
jet that is burning, his face is shaded. One 
hand is out of sight ; the other holds a fine 
cigar taken from the count’s box upon the 
table, and from wliich the smoke oozes. 

It is a remarkable tableau. 

To Corney’s mind this is about as clean a 
specimen of Irish nerve and independence as 
he can well conceive, and he plays his part 
well. As 3^et no one seems to suspect the 
truth, although all of those who burst into the 
room are surprised at the fellow’s assurance. 
Since they believe him to be unarmed, this will 
not save the American the scourging they have 
come to inflict. 


100 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Count Scobeloff is very brave ; he is backed 
up by three men, and is in his own house, 
defending his hearth against intrigue. He can- 
not keep a sinister smile from showing upon 
his handsome face even while pretending to 
boil over with indignation. 

‘‘Ah! you are there,’’ he cried in excellent 
French, a language much used in Russia, par- 
ticularly among court circles ; “ we have found 
you in the trap, you rat, you viper! It is my 
turn now. You have invaded my home — you, 
the brave American Colonel b^^ Brevet of the 
Czar} I wonder what Alexander will think of 
his protege now, and whether Gourka will 
swear by his officer from across the sea. We 
mean to pull your teeth, to put a mark upon 
your brow — to cast 3^ou out as a serpent 
caught in the dove cote, so that all the world 
shall know that Colonel John Paul is not the 
saint he pretends, but an accursed villain.” 

He pauses to note the effect of this speech, 
which it is believed must sear the brain of the 
man to whom it is addressed. 

That worthy only makes one move, and rais- 
ing the cigar to his lips, to the amazement of 
the quartette, puffs several rings of Blue smoke 
into the air above his head. Never have they 
seen assurance equal to this. It exasperates 
the count, who does not have to assume anger 
now, since he is fairly quivering with it. 


THE COLOKEL BY BREVET. 


101 


‘‘You wolf of the desert, we will teach you 
how to behave in the presence of your superi- 
ors; we will show you how a Russian noble- 
man can avenge divshonor put upon his name. 
Do you see this?^’ raising the terrible whip 
above his head. 

Corney nods his head. 

“I am going to give you a taste of its 
qualities — to put a few stripes across your 
shoulders ere having you tossed neck and 
heels from this house,” roars the irate Russian. 

Then the threatened man laughs. 

“Better not, Count,” he remarks. 

“Ah ! you think I do not mean what I say. 
Do you see that clock yonder? In one minute 
it will strike. You will, in sixty seconds feel 
the lash of this nagajka cut a furrow across 
your face, for I have led the Cossacks and 
learned how to handle it well.” 

“And in just sixty-one seconds you will be a 
dead man, for as soon as that lash takes a 
piece from my flesh, that second you are 
doomed,” says the seeming American, quietly 
but with an emphasis in his voice that cannot 
be mistaken. 

“Bah! I wouldn’t give a zwanziger for 
your own life if you attempted to leap at me. 
These gentlemen will handle you without 
gloves,” sneers the count. 


i02 the colonel by brevet. 

‘‘You are wasting time. At least thirty 
seconds have passed since you made your 
threat. Suppose you begin operations at 
once. Stand back, gents, and see fair play.^^ 

Corney deliberately takes a last pulf from 
his cigar and then regretfully tosses it^ aside. 
At the same moment his right hand for the 
first time comes into sight ; something that it 
grasps gleams with a wicked sheen. The 
Russian’s eyes take it all in, and he starts back 
with a cry. 

“ By the gods, he is armed, gentlemen ; he has 
a revolver in his hand ! ” 

“Exactly! ” says Corney. 

The time has come for him to create still 
further consternation by disclosing his iden- 
tity, and he takes pleasure in doing it. He no 
longer remains seated, but stands erect. The 
countess is heard to cry aloud, for already her 
quick eyes note the fact that the bold American 
Colonel b3^ Brevet seems to have shortened in 
stature several inches since last she saw him — 
onlj^ five minutes or so before. 

Corney’s next move is still more significant, 
He raises his left hand and removes the 
chapeau from his head. Thus his features are 
fully disclosed, as he steps back from the light. 

Light dawns upon them; it comes with a 
rush, even as a flash of lightning illumes the 
earth on a dark, stormy night. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


103 


The countess is amazed, and forgets that she 
still has a part to play. It is generally the 
case that in moments of intense surprise the 
shrewdest of people will drop their mask and 
become natural. 

‘ ‘ Mon Dieii ! What is this I see ? The 
American colonel — he is here no longer, and 
yet only a short time ago I left him ! I turned 
the key in the lock! Wonderful! Mysteri- 
ous ! ’’ she cries aloud. 

The others hear her 

Scobeloff is glaring at the man who stands 
there with head uncovered, under the chan- 
delier — ^glaring at him as a tiger might in the 
jungle when a venturesome man disturbs its 
quest for prey. There is astonishment in his 
look, also, and an uneasy expression around 
his e3^es. 

He has reason for remembering the Yankee 
colonel, for the e3^es of hate never forget. 
Many times has he looked at John Paul in the 
spirit of murder, and every feature of the 
other’s face is as plainly stamped upon his 
mind as could be that of his own mother. 

Hence, it may be readily assumed that no 
sooner have the cotmt’s eyes fallen upon the 
face of Corney O’Shea than he realizes that 
some tremendous mistake has been commit- 
ted. 


104 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Naturally, he looks at the matter in a dif- 
ferent light from his wife; he believes she has 
made the blunder, either through stupidity or 
some deep motive. Perhaps she has learned 
the true reason of his hatred for the colonel, — 
he has manufactured a cock and bull story for 
the occasion, connecting John Paul with a 
plan to drive him beyond the pale of the 
Russian court, — and blankly refuses to down 
an honest man because her husband happens 
to be his rival in a love affair. 

The tableau is a striking one, and John Paul 
in his niche chafes at the thought of being 
cheated out of the sight. Never mind, he 
thinks, things are all working well, and suc- 
cess promises to come to his arms. 

O’Shea is on his guard, althoitgh seeming 
so indifferent. He. holds the revolver in plain 
sight, the hammer is drawn back, and his 
finger touches the trigger. Should the occasion 
arise he can make use of the weapon in quick 
order, and his experience in the past gives him 
assurance that his shots will not be wasted. 

A singular situation it has become, and, 
although the countess is already bewildered by 
the phase the case has assumed, she will soon 
be almost thrown into hysterics when Corney 
carries out the programme he has boldly 
arranged. 


THE COLONEL BY BREYfiT. 


106 


He waits to be addressed. Since the papers 
are safe in his poeket, all he has to consider is 
the safety of himself and his companion, the 
colonel. He means to play his cards with the 
boldness and dexterity that only an Irishman 
could bring about. 

The other three men do not understand the 
the game fully ; true, General Kobalt has some 
acquaintance with the American, and readily 
sees that this man is not that personage, but 
further than this he has not been able to pene- 
trate. 

He awaits developments, and is not greatly 
concerned either way. A cautious man, he 
keeps one eye on the weapon of O’Shea. If that 
comes into use, Kobalt does not desire to be in 
line with it. 

At length the silence is broken, and it is the 
count who utters the first words. His feelings 
have become such that he can no longer 
restrain them ; they threaten to btirst out and 
do some great damage. 

“Who in the fiend’s name are you, sir, 
and what do you want in my house?” he 
demands. 

O’Shea chuckles. 

“ Count,” he says, in excellent French, for he 
has the Gallic blood in his veins, “ I take it 3^ou 
are a sensible man, andean understand the sit- 
uation. You ask why I am here under your 


106 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


roof. I reply, not from any desire of my 
own.^’ 

“Sir!^’ 

have been drawn here against my will ; 
circumstances and the peculiar tactics of a 
schemer have brought me into this fix, from 
which it is mj intention to extricate myself as 
soon as possible.” 

’ “ You speak in riddles, you beast. What cir- 
cumstances — what designing person do you 
refer to? ” cries the amazed Scobeloff. 

The composed Irishman keeps his temper, 
which is just where he has the advantage over 
the man who boils up like the lava in 
Vesuvius. 

‘‘The circumstances are peculiar, Count; as 
to the person whom I charge with the fact of 
my presence under j^our roof, she is there!” 
and he points his finger directly at the lovely 
woman. 

“ My wife ! ” shouts the Russian. 

“Oh! you beast! You viper!” pants the 
countess, who believes that either this is some 
hideous dream, or that she has gone mad. 

O’Shea pays no heed to what she says, for 
he has doubtless been made a sufferer from the 
tongue of a vixen before now. 

“ Count,” he continues, “you are a man of 
intelligence; look me squarely in the face and 
tell me if I resemble one Colonel John Paul.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


107 


‘‘Death and furies, no! You look more like 
the ape we have clown at the Imperial arsenal 
— the soldiers’ pet,” snarls the Russian sav- 
agely. 

“Then there has been a great mistake made. 
I am not responsible for it. Listen to me, 
Count. I am walking along quietly. I hear 
a cry for help and run forward. A carriage 
has been halted by footpads who fly at the 
sound of m3^ voice. The lady has no means of 
reaching her home; she begs me to drive her 
there.” 

“ Malediction 1 ” groans the count, casting a 
black look toward his enchanting wife, who 
just now is the picture of miserable despair, 
and wrings her hands and shakes them at 
O’Shea alternately, cr^dng: 

“It is false! All he says is false. I never saw 
him before, the coward, the brute! ” 

The Irishman looks at her with a smile, as 
though he really pities her distress, in a half 
sneering wa3^ 

“Unfortunately, an Irish gentleman is so 
constituted that he can never be anything 
but gallant toward the ladies. I found it 
impossible to refuse milady, and drove her 
home. Perhaps I told a fib or two on the way 
— that does not matter. Count. At your curb 
the lady was distressed and I assisted her to 
the door. There she fainted, and I carried her 


108 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


inside. A gentleman could do no less. Then 
you arrived, Count, after she recovered her 
senses, and the poor lady was terribly dis- 
tressed for fear that you would misconstrue 
matters. There you have the story. Count; 
take it for what it is worth.” 

The Russian eyes him in a curious way; he 
finds it hard to believe all of them could have 
been so dreadfully deceived, and yet what else 
can the3^ think ? His passion is not on the 
wane, but it has been transferred from John 
Paul to this party whom he does not know. 

‘‘There is deception somewhere,” he says, 
slowly, as though endeavoring to think. 

“ A good deal of it. Count. The mistake has 
been in striking the wrong person, I consider,” 
remarks the O’Shea with pointed emphasis that 
strikes the guilty heart of the other. 

‘‘Sir, you insinuate! ” he explodes. 

“Not at all. Count, not at all. I desire to 
state in the presence of these witnesses that 
your game is known, and that you have been 
outwitted.” 

“Confusion! ” 

“Oh! the base coward !” snaps Madam la 
Countess, who looks as though she could with 
pleasure use her pretty finger nails upon the 
face of the man who thus stamps her as lack- 
ing common sense. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


109 


‘‘You understand what I mean, my Russian 
wateh dog. Colonel Paul has been warned ; 
he is looking out for 3^ou with a revolver, and 
when he fires you will know it.^^ 

“What! You threaten me, puppy, — and 
under my own roof, too ? I shall have you 
arrested and loeked up. It is but a change of 
names after all/’ deelares the other. 

“Stop 1 You forget. Count, that sueh action 
will expose 3^our wife to the sneers of the 
world ; that it will disgraee you to prove that 
she was carrying on an amour with a 
nobody. 

“ Malediction ! I forgot ! ” he cries, aghast, 
for that would be disgraee indeed; were a 
prince or a hero involved it might not matter. 

Kobalt leans forward and speaks softly; 
Kobalt, who is accustomed to dealing with 
all manner and conditions of men, and knows 
how to gain an end in a roundabout. way. 

The count brightens up, and it is evident 
that new light has dawned upon his sorely 
perplexed brain ; his fierceness returns and his 
moustache faily bristles as he glowers upon the 
object before him — the object who preserves 
his cool attitude as though caring not a snap 
of his finger whether school keeps or not. 

“Aha! we shall have you yet, my friend, if 
not on one charge, then on another. The 
papers in my room are strewn about, you are 


110 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


a thief come to rob me. Kobolt says we will 
undoubtedly find evidences of yonr knavery 
upon 3^our pei'son. Consider ^^ourself under 
arrest, fellow.” 

The count sa3"S this with the grandiloquent 
air of a general on dress parade. It has only 
the effect of causing the Irishman to laugh 
aloud. 

“In my countinq prince, we have a saying 
that when 3^ou mean to make a rabbit stew, 
the first thing to be done is to get your 
rabbit.” 

“Well, have we not got him; are we not 
four to one? Only a fool would think of 
resistance, since it must mean death.” 

“ Well, I am just that fool then, prince. You 
say you have got me in a hole. Now to my 
mind the boot is on the other leg.” 

“Eh! You do not surrender? You ivould 
have us stain this carpet with your blood? ” 

“Yes, kill the beast! Rudolf, I will never 
forgive 3^ou if you allow him to go ; he has 
made me out a fool — he must suffer! ” cries the 
pretty countess, which shows that beaut3^ and 
gentleness do not always go hand in hand. 

“After you, Count, after 3"ou. I am ready 
to give up the ghost here and now; m 3^ life 
don’t amount to much, anyhow ; but,” swing- 
ing his revolver into line with the count’s 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Ill 


head and holding it steady, “before I go I’ll 
send your soul to your master, Satan.” 

The Russian is seized with a sudden qualm 
of deadly fear; he believes this dare-devil 
means to let him have the contents of that 
weapon point blank, and being by nature 
only a blustering coward, his soul drops into 
his military boots, so to speak ; at any rate 
the mercury of his composition tumbles to a 
point that is away below freezing. 

He throws out his hands impulsively, as 
though to ward off the lead that threatens to 
be fl3dng in his direction ere many seconds 
have passed. 

“Hold! do not fire. Kobalt! do you see 
him, and fail to interfere? Help me, man.” 

The chief of police* reads the game better. 

“ If I make the attempt, prince, he will surely 
fire. He is a tough customer to handle. I 
would not endanger your highness’ life,” he 
sa3^s, quickly. 

“Endanger my life! Confound it, man, it is 
in a bad condition now. I am looking into 
six deaths yonder, and the finger of a crazy 
man at the trigger. Any second may be my 
last.” 

“Keep back, all of 3^ou, or the count is a 
dead man,” warns O’Shea, fancying he detects 
a movement on the part of the woman in his 
direction, and most of all he dreads any action 


112 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


of hers, for she is in hardly the condition to be 
reasonable. 

^‘It is as I thought,’^ remarks Kobalt, in 
German, which he imagines, wrongly, the 
enemy may not understand; ^‘he means to 
hold the advantage until he can accomplish a 
certain purpose. Whatever it may be, high- 
ness, pretend to acquiesce until such oppor- 
tunity arrives when we may turn the tables.” 

Do n’t worry,” remarks O’Shea, content- 
edly, “ when that time comes I will be able to 
take care of myself and do some damage 
besides.” 

Kobalt, thus detected in his cunning, hangs 
his head. He is a bold man, but even such meet 
their match at times, and he is free to confess 
that in this unknown he has found a man well 
worthy of his mettle. 

“Tell me what your demands are?” begs 
the count, wearied of trying to dodge that lev- 
eled weapon, which keeps on a line with his 
face continuously. 

“You are anxious. Count,” sneers the 
O’Shea. 

“I would get free from that accursed 
revolver. It is not pleasant to look at death 
— to shake hands with him — to see his mock- 
ing smile. Mon Dieu! speak and tell me what 
you wish.” 

“You will obey? ” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


113 


“Yes, yes, anything to be rid of this feeling 
that seems to have me hanging over the edge 
of a grave; anything at all.” 

The count is in full retreat ; since life is in 
danger he cares nothing for all else. Even rep- 
utation is in his eyes a mere bauble without 
life. It is the motto of a coward the world 
over ; brave men imperil and sacrifice life in 
defense of reputation. 

“Then listen — all of you. Obey me and I 
promise to spare the count’s life. If any one 
tries to deceive me — pilf! and the candle, his 
life, goes out. Form in line; you, Kobalt, and 
the count lock arms. Turn your backs toward 
me. Let the other two gentlemen do the same; 
there, in front of the general and the count, for 
I will have nothing come between me and the 
object I mean to put a bullet into if neces- 
sary.” 

They obey him like puppets. Now there 
remains but one person, the countess, and it is 
in this quarter O’Shea expects the most 
trouble. 

“Madam, be so kind as to head the proces- 
sion. 

“I will not.” 

“ What in the fiend’s name do you mean to 
do?” exclaims the Russian, twisting his 
tieck. 


8 


114 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Make clog’s meat out of you unless through 
some means you influence this lady to do as I 
sa3",” returns the Irishman grimly. 

“ Madam, you hear? Obey! It may be a 
little thing for 3^011 to become a widow, but. 
by the gods ! it means much to me. I beg ^ f 
you to remember that you will not find 
another husband in my rank. Do what this 
beast orders, therefore.” 

He looks daggers at the woman who by her 
stubborn wa3^s imperils his precious life, and it 
even appears that, unless she does what is 
demanded, he will spring from his place and 
use force. 

No doubt sheknows his disposition well, and 
in her soul fears him. Those who cross, his will 
meet with punishment sooner or later. At 
any rate, with tears of anger, she falls into line 
at the head. It is a singular scene, and the 
O’Shea appreciates it, for he laughs in a light- 
hearted wa3" that sends daggers into the men 
who are so helpless in his hands. 

For — ward, march ! ” 

They obey, the countess leading off. 
Through the door, into the library they pass, 
and then, following the orders of their captor, 
into the hall. 

A figure is descending the stairs; it is Nanon, 
who perchance has found the ammonia, or else 
hearing all the cl am or thinks it time to descend. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


115 


She gives a shriek at what she sees, turns, and 
then flies like lightning up the stairs. The 
strange procession heads that way — Corney 
wills it, and none dare disobey. 

They tramp up the stairs, the count cursing 
horribly in Russian, the other men muttering 
Austrian oaths, for it takes their very breath 
away to think of being thus ordered around 
like hotel lohndieners^ by a single individual 
who seems to enjoy the sport. 

“To the left, gentlemen, ’ ’comes the order, and 
to that side they go; a door stands before 
them, open, and the intention of the Irishman 
is very plain. He means to have them enter. 

Is there no help for it ? They look back and 
see that revolver following them so closely 
that it n]akes them shudder, so in they go, the 
men actually pushing the countess past the 
door, as she would turn at the last moment 
and fly at her tormentor. 

Another moment and O’Shea has snatched 
the key, slammed the door, and locks it. Then 
he springs back and just in time, for a revolver 
sounds on the other side and a bullet crashes 
through the panel, barely missing* him. 

He goes down the steps three at a time, hurls 
the key of the door across the hall, and rushes 
into the library. Here he finds the colonel, who 
has grown weary of well-doing, or at least no 
longer hankers after an association with a 


116 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


small hole far from comfortable, and has cdme 
forth to get fresh air. 

‘'Good/' cries O’Shea, shaking the hand of 
the American officer in his impulsive style, 
“we’ve outwitted the blackguards, old fellow. 
Do ye wait for me at the street door. I’ve a 
word of warning for the count that will fairly 
paralyze him, I reckon.” 

With that he again goes to the top of the 
stairs ; the door is near at hand, and he hears 
some one shaking it, while a voice cries : 

“ Nanon ! Nanon ! Come here at once.’^ 

“Count! ” shouts O’Shea. 

“Who calls? ” comes a muffled voice. 

“ The man who outwitted you ; the man who 
holds certain papers belonging to you which 
will be placed before the czar if 3^ou make a sin- 
gle effort to further injure Colonel John Paul, 
my friend! You hear? You comprehend ? Au 
revoir!^' 

Then, with a chuckle as he hears the ravings 
of a half insane man beyond the locked door, 
he once more descends to the hall. The colonel 
stands there waiting, and together they pass 
out into the quiet night. How delicious the air 
seems after the exciting events of the last half 
hour ! 

Arm in arm the colonel by brevet and his 
valiant companion descend the steps ; the jaws 


ME COLOKEL BY BREVET. 


117 


of the man-trap have been rent asunder, and 
its intended victim comes out of the fire 
unscathed, ready to go on with his work for 
the czar. 





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BOOK TWO. 


The Flight Along the Danube. 




CHAPTER I. 


GETTING READY TO GO TO THE FRONT. 

After this strange series of adventures, the 
colonel by brevet believes that if he is a wise 
man he will give Vienna a wide berth. Those 
who incur the hostility of the nobles in Austria, 
as in several other countries of Europe, dig 
their own graves. 

He is so full of this idea that, once he reaches 
the strasse where the people are found again, 
he consults his watch, and the O’Shea hears 
him mutter half below his breath, 
have just time enough.” 

‘^For. what. Colonel dear?” demands 
Corney, who, no doubt, suspects the truth, for 
such a shrewd fellow as he has proven himself 
to be does not go groping around long in the 
dark. 

“To go to my hotel, pack a grip and take 
a cab to the railroad station at SncZ-Fa/zn/zo^” 

replies the other, steadily. 

121 


122 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Corney laughs, and there is music in the 
sound. Somehow it enters John Paul’s soul 
like a ray of cheerful light, and illumines all 
within. The beleaguered British in Lucknow 
could not have heard the distant sound of the 
bagpipes playing “The Campbells are Com- 
ing” with much more joy than the worried 
colonel listens to this cheery laugh of his Irish 
friend, for it straightway lifts him out of the 
Slough of Despond. 

“See here, my boy, you aint ready to leave 
this wicked old city yet? ” says Corney. 

“I would like to remain for at least twenty- 
four hours longer, but — ” starts John, when his 
companion claps him on the arm. 

“Then sta^", and make 3"our mind aisy that 
the bloody count won’t disturb je, nor yet his 
right hand man, the terrible Kobalt.” 

“How can you insure me against this, 
Corney?” 

“You must have heard what I called out to 
him ? ” 

“ Yes, but thought of it more in the nature 
of a mere threat — a sort of boast that springs 
up when success comes to our arms.” 

The Irish friend laughs again. 

“Not so. Colonel. I hold papers here — ’’giv- 
ing his chest a rousing thump to indicate his 
meaning — “that might bring Sc obel off to his 
death if laid before the czar — papers that impli- 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


123 


cate him in a design of the Nihilists to bring 
about the death of Alexander and a revolution 
in the court. 

The colonel shows decided interest, for he 
has found a warm friend in the czar; however 
cruel the Russian despot may seem to those 
who incur the displeasure of the laws, he has 
never been anything but kind to the American. 

Ah ! that simplifies matters, Corney. Sup- 
pose you let me have the papers, and I’ll 
manage to pay Scobeloff up for this miserable 
game he has attempted to put upon me.’^ 

All the while John is thinking more of reliev- 
ing a certain English girl of persecution than 
any trouble of his own. Corney makes no 
effort to accomplish the other’s wish, looks 
at the extended hand, shakes his head, and 
smiles knowingly. 

“Thanks, Colonel, but ye don’t think I 
risked me life to get these documents to throw 
’em away? Not so, man. They are valuable 
to the cause of the sultan, and by the gods 
they go to headquarters if Corney ^ O’Shea 
can get ’em there; but—” and his manner 
becomes impressive, “you heard what I said 
to Scobeloff— I meant it, bedad. Twenty-four 
hours ye can remain in Vienna and walk the 
streets boldly, fearing no man. For that 
length of time I’ll agree to hold the papers 
that insure your life. When the train leaves 


124 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


at midniglit to-morrow the time expires, for 
Corney O’Shea will be on board, bound for the 
front, and the papers can no longer stand 
between ye and Scobelolf.” 

Colonel John understands, and at once 
expresses his satisfaction, for he believes he 
will be well able to finish his business by that 
time, and means to be on board the midnight 
train himself. He has news for the czar of a 
diplomatic nature, and which will have some 
bearing upon the war that is being so bitterly 
waged between the Russians and the Turks. 

‘‘Corney, it’s a- bargain. Keep Scobeloif and 
his dogs away from me for twenty-four hours, 
and I will have accomplished my mission. 
You say you go out on that cannon ball 
express yourself. Doubtless, if I’m alive and 
kicking I’ll meet you at the station. We can 
travel at least a part of the way together and 
chat over old times.” 

“Nothing would please me better, my boy, 
and if the count happened to be up to any 
tricks in order to regain these documents,” 
tapping once more his breast, “perhaps you 
would n’t mind lending a hand in their defense. ’ ’ 

“Willingly, my dear fellow; what care I 
about their contents, which you say are 
valuable to the cause of the Crescent, while I 
fight under the flag of the White Cross ? You 
are m;^ friend; you have done much for me. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


125 


and I’m only too anxious to reciprocate. This 
time, Corney, I will be armed.” 

“Unless some siren coaxes your revolver 
away again,” whispers the other in his own 
peculiar way, which does not irritate but 
rather amuses the American. 

“Lightning seldom strikes twice in the same 
place, Corney. I recovered my gun, for the 
countess laid it aside in the library when there 
was no further chance of niy seizing it. If the 
opportunity ever arrives when I can be useful 
to the man who has so kindly stood by me in 
this trouble, you know how to count on me.” 

John Paul does not speak in this strain 
unless he means business, and the man who 
hears him has no doubt of his sincerity. 
The discover an empty ^acre bowling along in 
the proper direction, and Corney ’s tuneful 
bellow brings the driver to the curb. This is 
better than the long tramp to their hotels. 

When they part for the night it is with a 
warm hand clasp that proclaims the deep 
friendship existing between them. Alen are 
drawn together by danger, and after having 
passed throvigh some perils in company, where 
perhaps grim death itself has been faced, they 
can never look upon each other save with 
warm regard. 

These two, diametrical opposites in many 
things, and even engaged on the different sides 


126 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


of the warring nations, seem to be brothers 
because of their adventures in company. 

John Paul retires to his room as soon as he 
reaches the hotel. He can hear the noise from 
the street through his partly opened window, 
for Vienna never sleeps, and looking down sees 
moving figures, bright lights, and numerous 
vehicles. This will all die down after one 
o’clock, but there is no hour of the night when 
the tramp of feet or the clatter of vehicles can 
not be heard in front of the Match aker Hof. 

In ten minutes the colonel has retired, being 
qitite wearied after his day’s work. When 
three more have passed by, he sleeps as only a 
soldier can who has long since accustomed 
himself to making the most of his opportunities. 
Men of war, who look back upon many a cam- 
paign, accustom themselves to habit. The 
colonel, upon occasion, can drop in his tracks 
and be sound asleep ere one could count 
a hundred ; such is the mastery of will over 
body. 

He sleeps until day breaks through his win- 
dow, and then springs to his feet, stretches 
himself, proceed to dress after some exercise 
with dumb-bells of considerable weight, which 
in a measure accounts for his robust appear- 
ance and muscular arms. 

There is much work for him on this day, if 
he hopes to wind up his business in Vienna and 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


127 


start for the front within the required time — 
work that must be accomplished in spite of all 
obstacles. 

While performing his ablutions and finishing 
his toilet the colonel tries to lay out a pro- 
gramme for the day. Now and then his 
thoughts take a backward turn, and he 
smiles to remember some inciden t of the ad vent- 
ure that befell him during the night just 
passed. 

John Paul does not take any pleasure in the 
retrospect; not that he fears either of the two 
men who seek to ruin him, but the fact of that 
lovely woman descending to intrigue against a 
man who never injured her by word or deed 
makes him feel sad. 

He knows she has been deceived by the count, 
and doubtless believes him some sort of politi- 
cal monster, sworn to make away with the 
man whose morganatic wife she has become. 
This mitigates her offense to some degree ; nev- 
ertheless her sin is an enormous one in the 
colonel’s eyes. 

Although a bachelor himself, this man of 
arms has managed to retain a great respect for 
the gentler sex— a respect founded upon his 
memories of a dear mother long since gone to 
another world; and, though experience has 
taught him that there are women in this world 
who can out Herod Herod, still he never runs 


128 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


across a case of this sort without a feeling of 
pain. 

It is astonishing to note the change that 
flashes over this man^s face. He stands before 
a little looking-glass that nearly drives him 
crazy while engaged in brushing his curly loeks, 
when his eye by accident falls upon a note that 
lies on the bureau. Strange that he has not 
caught sight of it before now. 

He believes that chirography is familiar, and 
laughs a little to see how his hand shakes when 
he picks the note up. 

Bless my soul, old man, this wont do at all. 
What makes your hand tremble so? Confound 
the luck, I hope at your age you wont have an 
attack of heart trouble. Nonsense! it’s only 
the surprise affects me — that’s all. See, that 
same hand is as steady as a rock again, and 
could drive a nail with a revolver at twenty 
paces. Now, we’ll proeeed to open the note. 
How the deuce did it come here, anyhow? Ah! 
I forgot, their ways differ here from American 
hotels. Letters are sent to the rooms at the 
Matchaker Hof. This must have arrived after 
I left last night.” 

He seems in no hurry to open it, but brush in 
hand stands there looking at the square envel- 
ope about whieh lingers a delicate perfume, 
telling that it came from the portfolio of u 
lady. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


129 


The superscription is in a large English hand, 
and seems indicative of the frank nature of the 
seribe ; he can see her bright face and fearless 
eyes in everj^ pen stroke, wliich acknowledg- 
ment would, by the knowing ones, be setdown 
as a serious piece of business. It runs : 

Colonel John Paul^ 

'^Matchaket Hof, 

'^ViennaP 

He opens 'the envelope and draws out the 
enclosure. The same large, open chirography 
attracts his attention. There is no difficulty 
in gleaning the contents of the note. 

My dear Colonel Paul: — Since seeing you on the Ring- 
strasse to-day, events have occurred which necessitate my 
leaving Vienna for the seat of war on the midnight train^ 
twenty-nine hours hence. If you have the opportunity 
to-morrow I should be glad to see you once more. I shall 
be in between two and three p. M. Should we not meet, 
remember me kindly as your friend and well wisher, 

“Jeanie Stockton." 

“P. S. The Hotel Archduke Charles, you know." 

The doughty American officer reads this sev- 
eral times and muses. 

‘‘To be sure I shall go and see her; I find 
pleasure in chatting with so sensible a girl. 
What time does she say? Between two and 
three. Now may the deuce take such luck!’^ 
with a groan ; “at two my audience with the 
Austrian emperor begins, and, as it is my last, 
T know he will keep me a full hour. Such luck 


130 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


is enougli to drive a man to drink ; but hold 
on, I see a bright gleam beyond. By Jove ! she 
goes on the wonderful cannon ball express, to 
leave at midnight. Corne^^ and myself hope to 
be on board the same. Ah ! I see I may have 
quite a ehanee for a pleasant chat before the 
stern duties of war take me with Gourka and 
his raiders.’^ 

He is quick to make up his mind and writes 
a note to Lady Jeanie, which will be sent by 
special messenger later on. 

wonder,” he remarks, as he seals this up 
and arises from his work, ‘‘ whether Sister 
Therese accompanies Jeanie; just as likely as 
not. H’m!” 

Somehow — he cannot understand how it 
should be so — the thought gives him anything 
but pleasure. Perhaps it is because he fears 
that his tete-a-tete with the English girl may 
be less pleasant with the somber-garbed sister 
present. Then again, it may be something 
else; a warning deep down in his heart that 
trouble is to come to him through this same 
Sister Therese. 

He leaves his room and goes below with 
only a fair appetite for breakfast. Generally 
he is a good feeder, and ready for three square 
meals a day, but the anxieties that have of 
late crowded upon him keep his mind busy, 
and when a man is worried his appetite fails. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


131 


‘‘Never mind/^ mutters the colonel, as he 
pushes back from a fine repast to which he has 
hardl3" done even scant justice, “this will soon 
change. When I am scouring the Balkans side 
by side with my friend Gourka, the boot will 
be upon the other leg, and, by my soul, the 
gravest question that can face us then will be 
how to get provisions enough.’^ 

He glories in the thought of the exhilaration 
such a ride promises to bring ; his blood even 
tingles in his veins at the bare idea, and then 
Colonel John the soldier heaves a sigh as he 
once more quenches the martial spirit to 
become John Paul, the diplomat. 

The duties of the day soon begin. 

We have little desire to follow him from 
place to place in his peculiar business, since it 
does not materially concern our narrative. 
Once he has a glimpse of Lady Jeanie riding in 
a carriage with a friend, an Austrian noble- 
man’s datighter; the turnout is striking, and 
people have eyes for the two young ladies 
seated therein. 

At the time Colonel Paul is on horseback, 
and going to meet some one of importance in 
connection with his coming interview with the 
emperor. 

He rides in the Prater, that park just out- 
side the city considered at the time the finest 
extant. Vehicles throng the drives; it equals 


132 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Rotten Row in London or the Boulevard 
across in New York on a Sunday afternoon. 

In the midst of all she sees him and bows, 
while the mihtar\'^ rider raises his hat and goes 
clattering along the drive. Her companion is 
quick to note the blush upon her face, and 
guessing even more than Lady Jeanie suspects, 
smiles as she speculates upon what the future 
holds for her friend. Then she remarks upon the 
fine figure and military bearing of the horse- 
man, and this naturally calls for some expla- 
nation as to his identity. 

Once Lady Jeanie is started upon the subject 
she rattles on, telling all that she knows of 
John Paul, and painting him such a hero that 
her Austrian friend finally murmurs : 

“Ah! that is the kind of a man I have 
dreamed about; I have vowed never to marr^^ 
until I met a hero — a true man. This Colonel 
Paul — but, forgive me, dear friend, I forgot he 
is your friend,” and she pretends to be utterl3^ 
confused, meanwhile looking at Jeanie out of 
the corners other blue e^^es, the si 3^ minx. 

The English girl is perfectly composed. She 
has the same merry laugh as of yore when 
she replies : 

“Ah! Antoinette, 3^ou do not think I mean 
to monopolize him. He will call between two 
and three; come home to lunch with me, and 
meet this hero of mine. Who knows but what 


1'HE COEONEL BY BREVET. 133 

you may find your fate? from wliicli it can 
be seen, first, that she has not received John’s 
note, and again that if Lady Jeanie is in love 
with the American she does not 3^et realize the 
fact. 

The colonel rides on, fulfils his appointment 
and is back at his hotel at lunch time with 
something of an appetite, excited by his 
favorite exercise of horseback riding. 

Then he has another interview, this time on 
the corner near by with one who seems to be 
a Hungarian flute vender, a weird looking 
chap with long hair and broad features, who, 
however, appears to be in John’s employ, for 
the latter hands him a handful of ducats and 
florins when he has heard all the other has to 
say. 

A short time later this man of business walks 
along the Bastei, the promenade made upon 
what was formerly the fortifications around 
the old stadtj or city. 

At two, in dress suit he awaits the pleasure 
of the good emperor, and it is almost four ere 
he is free from this protracted interview. 

Again he changes his garb, for his next move 
takes him to a restaurant where he, seemingly 
by accident, sits down at a table with an 
Austrian officer who is already in the place. 

They gradually address one another in 
French, and seem to become quite' friendly, 


134 THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

althotigli the most of their conversation is car- 
ried on in tones too low to reach the ears of 
the Zoll-Kellner or cashier, who evinces some 
interest in them. This individual represents a 
queer custom of Vienna ; he receives no salary, 
and sometimes even supplies a portion of the 
waiters, his pay coming in the shape of tips 
which each guest is supposed to hand him 
when settling his bill. He carries a leather 
bag as an insignia of his office, and into this 
goes the tip mone3^ A strange custom, truly; 
for Yankee eyes to look upon, but no doubt we 
do certain things just as queerly over here. 

Even when he leaves the company of the 
Austrian soldier. Colonel John is not yet done. 
He must hustle around in order to leave 
Vienna at midnight, for, somehow, he would 
not miss that cannon ball express for a good 
deal ; and it is hardly the danger of remaining 
in Vienna that influences him. 


CHAPTER II. 


“to reach SUD-BAHNHOF, I WIEIv GIVE YOU 
JUST TEN MINUTES.’^ 

By dint of hurrying, the American finishes 
his business at an early hour. He does this 
with an object in view. Knowing that these are 
his last hours in Vienna, a strong desire comes 
over him to hear some good music, for pres- 
ently he expects that the only sounds to greet 
his ears must be the cries of charging Turkish 
cavalry , the shrill blast of the bugle, the neighs of 
wounded steeds, the fierce cries of Cossack war- 
riors meeting naked steel with equal fury, and 
the mournful groans of dying men spread over 
the field of battle. 

He knows there is an opera to come off on 
this night, and the Karnthnerthor theater will 
be crowded with the elite; not that he cares a 
rap for the people who may be there ; it is the 
music his soul craves, the music that he will 

135 


136 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


carry away in his heart to make him less a 
savage in the wild forays to come. 

He means to time himself well, and run no 
chance of missing that train, even if he has to 
employ the whole cab service of the Austrian 
capital. 

The house is well crowded when he arrives, 
and no seats are left. For this he cares not a 
groschen, since his stay is to be limited at any 
rate, and he cannot see the opera out unless 
they are as early as in Dresden, where the play 
begins at seven and ends about ten, the 
Germans believing in getting their sleep at all 
hazards. 

Colonel Paul is charmed with the songstress 
who thrills the audience. He could almost 
forget the passage of time in listening to her 
liquid notes. 

Between the acts he surveys the house. Per- 
haps he has a vague hope that a certain person 
may be present ; the bright eyes of the English 
girl are before him pretty often, and it would 
not be passing strange if the fortress that has 
defied assault so many years has capitulated 
at last. 

At present, however, he does not dream of 
such a thing; the fact will burst upon him sud- 
denly when it comes, and almost paralyze the 
hero of many a hot campaign. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


13T 


Colonel John has made all his preparations 
before coming hereto spend a last hour in par- 
adise ere leaving for hades ; his leather port- 
manteau is packed, his passport vised ^ and 
ever\^thing in readiness for exchanging the 
peaceful soil of Austria for the field of hostili- 
ties. 

Therefore he lays himself out to enjoy this 
treat as might a man who drinks his last glass 
of water, and knows not when his parched lips 
may again taste more. 

A few persons he knows by sight, and returns 
their salutations gravely ; but the one face he 
looks for is not to be seen, and John is worried 
to actually find himself disappointed. What 
business has he to take an interest in any girl? 
He is a soldier; his work in life is upon the bat- 
tlefield, and he should leave making love to 
those whose walks lie in a gentler strain — the 
lord, the business man, the literary party, the 
doctor. What right has a soldier of fortune, 
drifting the world over wherever war rears his 
ugly head, to a wife ? Bah ! He is disgusted 
with himself, and mentally administers a 
severe castigation that does not a particle of 
good, however. 

Then the songstress again charms his soul, 
and he yields himself a prisoner to her voice, 
which sways his spirit as it only can a lover of 
music. From this stupor — it is little else with 


138 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


John — ^he Is aroused by feeling a hand on his 
arm, but he will not turn his head though the 
czar himself stands beside him, until the queen 
of song has completed her burst of melody and 
retired. 

‘‘O’Shea, by Jove!” and his hand is out- 
stretched to meet the digits of the Turco- 
Franco-Celt, nor is Corney one whit behind in 
the cordial clasp which the colonel gives him, 
since he possesses the power of a giant in his 
arms. 

“It’s me or me wraith, colonel dear, sure 
enough,” replies the other, cheerily. 

“I didn’t know you were fond of music, my 
boy.” 

The other snorts. 

“Music, is it? Bless your soul, man, I’m 
totally lacking in that sense. There’s more 
music to me in the notes of a bugle sounding 
the charge, or the blast of a fish horn calling 
to dinner than in the sweetest song ye ever 
heard.” 

“Good Heavens! you wretch; I shall beware 
of you after this. You know 

‘The man who has no mnsic in his soul 

Is fit for treason, stratagems and spoil.*** 

“Ah! but the music I love is of a different 
character, ye see; the clatter of knives and 
forks, the jingle of glasses,— those are the 


i39 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

sounds that appeal most to my heart/ ^laughs 
Corney. 

“Indeed, then you are not wholly deficient 
in musical qualities. One thing bothers me.’^ 

“What might that be ? 

“ Your presence here ; since you care nothing 
for music I am at a loss to understand why 
you have come to the Karnthnerthor this 
night.’’ 

O’Shea lays a finger on his arm ; his manner 
is very impressive, and it is evident he has a 
matter of importance to communicate. 

“To find you. Colonel dear,” he says 
slowly. 

The American draws him to one side where 
they can talk in peace. It does not matter 
much, anyway, since Patti the queen of song 
has retired from the stage and the colonel 
misses nothing. He judges from the other’s 
manner and his knowledge of the man that 
O’Shea has something of importance to com- 
municate. 

Here, with the audience in front, and the 
lyric stage beyond, the actors carrying out 
their parts, these two men converse. 

“How did you know I was here?” asks 
John. 

“Went to your hotel and the clerk told me; 
you had a few words with him on starting 
out.” 


140 


THE COLONEL BY BREVEl'. 


‘‘Quite true, Corney. Another advantage 
in letting people know your movements.’’ 

“At any rate it may pay in this case. You 
are in for trouble again, Colonel.” 

“Good enough. What is the nature of it 
now?” 

He takes it as a matter of course — coolly and 
unconcernedly, as though they are talking of 
a third person. Those who are near cannot 
conceive what the^^ can find interesting enough 
to talk about, when such stirring scenes are 
being enacted upon the mimic stage in front. 

They little suspect that these men debate a 
matter of life and death — that the nature of 
their discussion is grave enough to rivet their 
attention even though tragedies are being 
enacted in front. 

“Last night you felt the anger of the Russian 
count,” says Corney, in a stage whisper. 

“ Did I ? ” asks John, elevating his eyebrows, 
“well, now, d’ye know, my dear boy, I was of 
the impression that it was the other way. At 
any rate his highness come out at the little 
end of the horn.” 

Corney grins at this, and nods good 
naturedly. 

“That’s the gospel truth. Colonel John, but 
what I meant to imply was that you had 
realized the power of the Russian for evil, last 
night— gauged his capacity, so to speak, and 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


141 


now you are about to feel the heavy hand of 
the other one.^’ 

“Who the deuee is that — not Lord Elmer? ” 

“Exaetly.” 

Colonel Paul puckers up his lips as though 
he would whistle, but no sound emanates from 
them. His whole expression indicates sur- 
prise. 

“You don’t mean it, Corney, that the 
Britisher has made up his mind to fight? ’’ he 
asks. 

“Fight? Yes, it’s that to the dot, I reckon. 

I could see the ugly light in his eye when he 
asked the clerk questions; he showed his heart 
on his sleeve.” 

“Clerk! Has milord been at thehotel, also, 
endeavoring to pump the people there? ” 

“Not endeavoring — he succeeded pretty 
well, I imagine. At any rate he got all the 
information the clerk could give him — what 
train you were to take, where you changed 
cars, how far you were going and several little 
pieces of information that I don’t happen to 
have on the tip of me tongue.” 

“That must have been interesting news to 
him. It’s nice to have a real live English lord 
so anxious about one, don’t you think, 
Corney ? ” 

“That depends on the nature of his solici- 
tude, my boy. It strikes me that I’d rather be ' 


142 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


excused from the warm attentions of a man 
who when he looks at me bites his moustache 
and pulls his mutton chop whiskers, scowling 
like a pirate the while as though he would be 
tickled to dance on me grave. I prefer the 
attention of a sincere friend.” 

“There is no question about your being 
right. What do you believe he wants ? ” 

“Well, mind I’m only speculating now, but 
I imagine milord went direct from the hotel 
and bought a ticket on the same train.” 

“Ah! He does not like to lose me. Possibly he 
has not seen Scobeloff and heard the news,” 
smiling. 

“Be that as it may, I am almost positive 
he means to accompany you — us. Let me 
tell another idea that has entered mv head.” 

“You’ll find me a good listener, Corney.” 

“Have you any knowledge of the English 
girl’s movements ? ” comes the sudden question 
that almost takes Colonel Paul’s breath 
away. 

“Well, yes, I have,” he replies. 

“Is she about to quit Vienna? ” 

“ So I have learned.” 

“By to-night’s fast express ? ” 

John Paul takes out the missive he has 
received, and hands it over to his companion, 
who speedily gleans its contents. His face is 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


143 


puckered up in a way he has when thinking 
deeply. 

“Just as I suspected, and I’m sure he knows 
of her intended moYements. How did he 
learn ? Perhaps in the same way he got wind 
of yours — by prowling around and asking 
questions, bedad.” 

“The infernal scoundrel! ” grits John Paul, 
which exclamation causes the other to smile, as 
it seems to give the doughty colonel dead 
away. 

“True as yau live, but that doesn’t mend 
matters one bit. I believe he knows these 
things and has some devilish plan in view 
whereby he may be able to have his revenge on 
you, while at the same time he wins the 
girl.” 

At this Colonel Paul starts and looks earn- 
estly into the face of his companion as though 
he hopes to read something ofThe truth there. 
What does the the keen witted Irishman hint 
at ? There is a dreadful uncertainty back of 
his words, and John gropes for it with a deter- 
mination to know the very worst at the 
start. 

“Cornelius O’Shea, you are keeping some- 
thing hidden from me? ” he says reproachfully, 
but the other shakes his head. 

“Divil a bit, me boy, only me speculations,^^ 
he declares with earnestness. 


14,4 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


^‘Well, what do they amount to? Come, 
Corney, you mustn’t hope to keep even your 
wildest thoughts from me. Remember my boy, 
I know you — I’ve been in your company before 
now, and by Jove I’ve seen you hit the bull’s 
e\^c square in the center with what you were 
pleased to call a guess. Out with it, now; what 
do 3^ou think ? Will that lordly Britisher dare 
to ditch the cannon ball train for the sake of 
having his revenge on me? ” 

“ Hardly, but there are other ways in which 
he might accomplish his work. Remember, a 
part of the country through which the train 
runs is a wild region, where war has alread3" 
left a trace of its horrors. Money, bedad, will 
hire many a rascal, and sure, this Scobeloh 
may be in the same boat. I can only state me 
belief that there’s mischief brewing, and if ye 
have any spare arms, bring them along with 
ye, my dear boy, for you may need ’em 
all.” 

Although John feels that his companion is 
unnecessarily alarmed, still he has had much 
experience himself in the past, and does not 
believe in underestimating an enemy’s strength . 
Better to err on the other side. Consequently, 
he agrees to ever^^thing Corney mentions, and 
that worthy feels that his labor has not been 
in vain. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


145 


“To meet ten minutes before twelve, then,” 
he says, as he shakes the colonel’s hand at 
parting. 

“At the Sud-Bahnhoi. I’ll be there, if I have 
to wade through fire and water,” returns John, 
and believing that some kind fate is^ about to 
give him another chance to do the English girl 
a favor even at the risk of his life, he means 
every word. 

The Irish diplomat nods and smiles, then dis- 
appears in the crowd, while John again turns 
his attention to the stage, the great singer hav- 
ing appeared once more, to fill the building 
with the melody of her rare voice. 

Colonel Paul is entranced, and drinks it all 
in eagerly. He will draw upon memory in 
time to come, and receive much benefit from 
the treat he enjoys to-night. 

All the same he keeps an eye on his watch, so 
that he will not overstay his time, which he has 
fixed at eleven. 

Fortunately, at that hour the divine Patti is 
not upon the stage, so he is better able to tear 
himself away. A number of people eye him 
curously as he departs, for it is not custom- 
ary in Vienna theaters, especially among 
well-bred people, to leave before the play is 
over. 

Once upon the street the colonel is glad he 

took time by the forelock, since there can be no 
10 


146 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


telling what lengths he may have to meet ere 
aeeomplishing his purpose. 

He hastens to the hotel, not a great distanee 
awa3^ Vienna is no eity to be lost in, sinee the 
streets, as a general thing, are large and well 
lighted. 

One fact puzzles strangers, and yet it soon 
becomes a source of security to them. The 
Cathedral of St. Stephen lies in the heart of 
the city, and from this spot the thoroughfares 
radiate in every direction like the spokes of a 
wheel, so that one can always reach this hub, 
at any rate. 

He arrives at the Matchaker Hof five 
minutes ahead of time. K.facre stands before 
the door, which the American at once engages. 
Then he goes inside to settle his bill and have 
the lohndiener carry his portmanteau and 
valise down. 

This operation in all consumes ten minutes. 
He has still plenty of time to reach the station 
if the driver keeps his animals on a fair trot. 
That ten minutes has been enough, however, 
to allow of some deviltry. 

Hardly has the American disappeared within 
the great caravansary than a man darts out 
of a dark corner, and is seen in earnest con- 
versation with the driver of the facre. 
Although John has engaged the man, he seems 
willing enough to accept pay from another 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


147 


source, for the clink of silver can be heard, and 
what passes into his hand is something more 
substantial than trinkgeld. 

All this takes up less than five minutes. The 
man is partly muffled in a cloak, and wears a 
slouch hat, but the light discloses a glimpse of 
flowing whiskers and an English face. Per- 
haps the scheming Lord Elmer is on the alert. 

Having completed his arrangments with the 
man who has sold himself, the tempter hastens 
around the corner. At just the moment John 
appears in sight, the sound of rapidly revolv- 
ing cab wheels comes from that direction and 
proclaims that the Britisher is heading for the 
station. 

Not suspecting the treachery that is in the 
wind, Colonel Paul enters the kacre, valise in 
hand, his leather portmanteau is tossed up 
with the driver, he settles with the porter, and 
then has a few words to give his driver. 

‘^Straight to the station, my man — as 
straight as you can go,’’ he says, in German, 
and the other answers with a grunt and a 
nod. 

His idea of a direct line must be rather erratic, 
John imagines, for presently the vehicle turns 
a corner and proceeds in a direction that will 
not take the traveler to the point he desires 
to reach even though he travel a month. 


148 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Fortunately for himself the colonel is not a 
dreamer. He would have been left many 
times in his life were such the case. Always 
on the alert, it is hard to catch him napping. 

As soon as the turn is made, therefore, out 
goes his head from the window, and with a 
heavy cane he punches the surprised driver in 
the back. 

" “What does this mean? he demands. 

“There is an obstruction ahead — street 
blocked, mynherr; we must go around,’^ 
answers the stolid Austrian, composedly, hav- 
ing been given this cue by the party who 
bought him. 

“Very good; whip up your horses, then,” 
says Colonel Paul, “and remember, my e^-e is 
on you, fellow.” 

The driver grows a trifle uneasy, but he is 
bound to do what he can to earn the florins 
that almost filled his hand and now lie so 
snugly in his breeches pocket. He soon makes 
another turn, and John notes that instead of 
getting back to the original direct line, their 
new course promises to take them further 
away into a tangle of streets where progress 
may be delayed at any moment by - some 
genuine obstruction. 

His mind is made up ; treachery of some sort 
is in the wind. Colonel Paul is not the one to 
stand anything like this. Here is a policy that 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


149 


can see the hand of the driver and go him a 
point better. 

Leaning out of the window of the Bacre, he 
again prods Jehu in the ribs, this time giving 
him a dig that fetches a howl. When the man 
turns to see the cause of this indignity he finds 
the American covering him with a revolver, 
and the Austrian, cowering in his seat hears 
plainly these words : 

am onto your game, my fine fellow. To 
reach Sud-Bahnhof I will give you just ten 
minutes. If you fail to get there on time I am 
going to kill you. Use the whip, man ! ” 

That settles it. Life is better than money 
any day; besides has he not already been paid 
by the man who tempted him ? So the driver 
makes use of his whip, and bellows at his 
horses as only a frightened Jehu can. They 
make great time, and when the Bacre draws 
up at the grand Vienna station John consults 
his watch. 

It lacks ten minutes of twelve; he is on 
time ! • 


CHAPTER III. 


ALONG THE DANUBE. 

Although fully convinced that there has 
been treachery of some sort practiced upon 
him, John knows it would be a waste of time 
to endeavor to pump the driver. These phleg- 
matic Austrians can appear to be twice as stu- 
pid as nature made them, when the occasion 
arrives. 

He has neither the time nor the inclination 
to make such an attempt, so he pays the fel- 
low, has his luggage seen to, and walks 
toward the carriage which the guard points 
out as the one for which he is booked. 

It would be useless to deny the fact that the 
bachelor colonel glances hither and yon with 
considerable interest. Railway journeys are 
an old story to such a traveler, so that it must 
of necessity be something else that excites 
him. 

Ah ! there is O’Shea sauntering up and down 

the platform smoking a huge cigar. He seems 
160 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


151 


at ease with himself and the world. The 
colonel joins him, and they exchange a few 
words. 

‘‘Booked with me, I hope, Corney ? ” asks 
Johti, who does not fancy a long journey in 
company with strangers, who may, for all he 
knows, be spies set upon his track. 

“Sure, I was in great luck; just one place 
left in your carriage and I jumped at it,’^ 
returns the Irishman, with a twinkle in his eye 
that John soon understands. 

“Then the carriage is full ? 

“Yes.” 

“Have 3^ou seen the others, our fellow pas- 
sengers? ” with a glance toward the car. 

“Yes, as I passed by to have me bag tossed 
in. I reckon we’ll find them agreeable 
enough.” 

The twinkle grows in volume and excites 
John. 

“See here, my fine chap, what are you up to? 
Who are our fellow passengers? ” 

“Ladies.” 

“ Great Caesar ! Corney— is it Lady Jeanie ? ” 
almost gasps the colonel. 

“ I had a glimpse of a face under the blessed 
veil, an’ twas one I saw when ye stood on the 
drive yesterday ; the same intense eyes full of 
laugh, the same rosy cheeks and a mouth that 
cupid, bedad, would like to kiss.” 


152 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘This is luck, Corney, genuine luck. I have 
hoped and yet feared ; to think it should hap- 
pen just that way ! Don’t talk to me about 
chance after this. I believe in the sweet little 
cherub that lies up aloft looking out for poor 
Jack. Now we can pull together, Corney, and 
if danger comes we’ll meet it bravely.” 

“Yes,” sa3’^s O’Shea, gr a vel\^ “3"ou’ll protect 
the 3"oung lady and leave the homely old sister 
to me.” 

“How d’ye know she’s homely?” laughs 
John. 

“I guessed it; bedad, it’s few pretty girls as 
takes the veil, you can wager. With milad3% 
it’s a different thing; she is only going to the 
front to nurse the wounded, bless her sweet 
heart ; a Red Cross Society to which she 
belongs has sent her, and she takes the garb of 
a Sister the better to do the work she is 
devoted to.” 

At this Colonel Paul gives a snort. 

“D’ye mean to say Jeanie Stockton has 
assumed a garb like Sister Therese? ” ' 

“Exactly.” 

“And hidden her pretty face behind a 
veil?” pursues John, with a melancholy 
look. 

“All the better to hide it from evil e3^es. 
Don’t you worry, my boy, that the veil will 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


153 


screen it from you. All is plain sailing, I 
reek on, so far as ye are eoneerned.’^ 

John has a strong inelination to walk over 
to the earriage, where he sees a porter storing 
his luggage away, but he resists it. Time 
enough for that when the train is about to 
leave. 

He wonders whether Lady Jeanie would take 
the trouble to glanee at his portmanteau, 
where his name. Col. John Paul, is painted in 
blaek, and eoneludes that a woman’s eyes ean- 
not fail to take this in at one look. 

“Well, Corney, 3^ou’ve been here a little 
while, on guard, have you seen anything of 
our enemies ? ” 

The Turkish ally looks at him out of the cor- 
ner of his eye and winks. 

“Well, I’ve seen something bundled up, that 
gave me an idea it was a British gent, rush 
across the platform here and plunge into that 
carriage with the door shut,” he says, nod- 
ding. 

“The next compartment to ours? ” 

“ ’Tis true, ’tis pity. Colonel. This has come 
about by no such chance as led the ladies to 
take the seats disengaged in our carriage; 
there’s a dark method back of it all, a scheme 
by means of which these plotters hope to get 
the best of us.” 


154 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘No use asking who is in there with 
milord ? 

“We can guess. Scobeloff has not given up 
all hope of recovering those papers that mean 
so much to his highness’ neck if once the czar 
lays eyes on ’em.” 

“Taken in all, our enemies have determined 
to make a bold stand, and exterminate us if 
possible.” 

“ While Lord Elmer wins the eternal grati- 
tude of the fair Jeanie, and eventually makes 
her his bride,” remarks Corney, and the 
American grinds his teeth upon hearing his 
words, while a black look settles upon his 
face. 

“I’ll see to it, if the chance comes, that he 
has no opportunity to indulge in any such 
delightful romance. As yet, I am free to con- 
fess, I have never shot a genuine English lord, 
but it’s only because the opportunity has not 
arisen. Granted a reason for doing so, and 
I’d just as soon put a bullet into Crawford as 
a beggar.” 

“ I believe you. Colonel. Bedad, I’ve seen ye 
put lead where it was sadly needed ; where 
would Corney O’Shea have been but for the 
bullet ye sent into that wild boar’s eye in the 
Hartz mountains near Blank enberg? Sure, 
I’d hate to have ye aimin’ your revolver at a 
chap I know, by name Corney O’Shea.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


155 


‘‘There goes tlie gong/ ^ says John, glad to 
interrupt his comrade, for he does not care to 
listen to praise, even when it is merited. 

The first signal is given. 

A bustle ensues in the station, for porters 
rush about, guards call out, and belated 
travelers are seen hastening hither and yon. 

In the midst of the confusion the two friends 
walk over to the carriage in which they are 
about to embark, tossing away their cigars, 
as though knowing that ladies are within. 

John starts at placing his traveling rugs and 
making his corner as comfortable as possible, 
when he hears a voice pronounce his name. 

“Colonel Paul!^^ 

Turning, he beholds by the aid of the lamps 
in the compartment, that one of the Sisters 
has thrown back her heavy veil, disclosing 
features that were indeed a pleasure to 
look at. 

“ Lady Jeanie ! he exclaims, jumping to his 
feet and holding out his hand. 

“This is indeed a pleasure/’ she murmurs. 

“ Fortune is kind ; I shall be repaid for being 
cheated out of my call. You received my 
note? ” 

“Yes; it is not every.one who would bemoan 
his fate of being compelled to give up a call 
Upon a lady acquaintance, in order to meet an 
emperor,” vshe laughs. 


156 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Then they fall to chatting, while the clamor 
outside arises to fever heat, as the last 
moment of delay approaches. 

“This is Sister Therese? ” he asks. 

The dark robed and heavily veiled figure 
bows in a solemn manner, but speaks not a 
word. Were she under a vow for perpetual 
silence she could not appear more distinctly 
dumb. 

Colonel John seems to feel a little ill at ease 
in her presence. He would much rather see a 
woman of the world seated there, who would 
join in the conversation, and be some life to 
the party. This silent Sister oppresses; she 
seems like a judge sitting there, frowning 
upon all frivolity. At the same time she has a 
deep regard for Lady Jeanie, and shows it in 
many ways. 

“What were you looking so gloomy about ? 
I saw you frowning as though you had lost 
your last friend,” remarks milady. 

John and Corney, who has been introduced 
to the ladies, exchange glances, and the soldier 
actually blushes a little under his tan as he 
remembers what the nature of that subject 
was. He laughs it off in a careless way, but 
the eyes of the English girl notice certain facts, 
and she remembers in the future. 

“We are off at last,” remarks O’Shea, as the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


157 


bell gongs again and the earriage begins to 
move. 

Presently they pass houses wrapped in the 
mantle of night. Few lights are visible. After 
a eertain length of time the train rattles over 
a bridge and they look out to eatch fleeting 
glimpses of a beautiful river. 

“ Behold, the Danube ! ” sa3^s Colonel Paul, 
who is busil^^ engaged making Lady Jeanie 
eomfortal^le with some spare rugs, for he is 
eonseious that the night’s journey will be 
tedious, and as there is muehmoreof the same 
kind ahead, it will pay for her to get what 
rest she ean in the start. 

Then tliej^ strike solid ground again, their 
speed inereases and they rattle on the way to 
Buda-Pesth, but it is not the last time they 
will eross the Danube ere the latter eity is 
reaehed. 

The eolonel forgets for the time the chilling 
presence of Sister Therese, and proceeds to 
enjoy himself. He and Jeanie have numerous 
subjects of interest to converse about, and 
once in a while O’Shea is drawn into the dis- 
cussion; but as a general rule that worthy 
prefers to sit and ponder, for he has weighty 
things on his mind. 

People judge Corney wrongly; his merry 
face is not indicative of the deep thinker, but he 
has developed a faculty for diplomatic business. 


168 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


and the distracted sultan of Turkey has dis- 
covered a rare gem in the former war corre- 
spondent and special artist. 

Just at present, however, the Irishman is not 
worrying his poor brain over diplomatic mat- 
ters, but affairs that are more pertinent as 
connected with the success of the whole 
party. 

He is endeavoring to guess the plans of their 
foes, and means to be keenly awake to what- 
ever takes place. It is not very pleasant to 
think that in the adjoining compartment, sep- 
arated from them onl3^ by a thin wooden par- 
tition, are men who bear them the same warm 
feeling that is entertained by the leopard for 
the deer upon whose shoulders he pounces. 

Men who have seen less service than these 
two veterans might feel alarmed at the situa- 
tion ; but when one sups with danger fre- 
quently, one learns to laugh at impending 
peril. 

In the end the shrewd Corney is forced to 
conclude that they must await the turn of 
events, since their enemy’s hand has not yet 
been fully disclosed. 

With this philosophical conclusion he settles 
himself down as comfortably as he can to 
sleep, having endeavored to start a conversa- 
tion with the frigid Sister Therese, and 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


159 


receives low monosyllable replies that quench 
his ardor. 

As he half reclines there in a lazy yet com- 
fortable position, supported by his rugs, 
Corney, by accident, makes a discovery that 
surprises him. He sees the hand of Sister 
Therese, minus its large cotton glove, as she 
opens a valise to look for something, and the 
shapely contour of that hand amazes him. 

“ Bedad ! he mutters. “ I said she was old 
and ugly; the former I take back now and for- 
ever. That hand beats all creation ; milady’s 
is large beside it. Sure, it’s Corney O’Shea 
hopes that if the fortune of war la^^s him out 
for a spell, it will be his luck to have Sister 
Therese for a nurse. Old and ugly! Sure I’d 
give me best boots to say her face now; per- 
haps ’t would surprise ye.” 

But the good Sister shotvs no inclination to 
remove or throw the veil aside, and she soon 
settles down to make herself as comfortable 
as possible. 

It is the Irishman’s belief that nothing will 
be done to injure them on this night, for the3^ 
are in Hungary, on the peaceful soil of Austrian 
provinces. When they draw near the Servian 
frontier it will be time enough to look for 
danger. 

There is some delay. Corney wakes up to 
find the train motionless. Voices are heard 


160 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


outside. The ladies both sleep, but upon turn- 
ing his head he sees the eyes of the colonel by 
brevet open and fasten upon him in an inquir- 
ing way. 

“ What’s up ? Are we in for it here ? ” asks 
the other in a low voice. 

“Whist! don’t disturb the ladies,” and see- 
ing a guard through the window Corney 
makes a signal that is readily understood, for 
they have bought this worthy with a price in 
the start. 

He flies to the compartment door and opens 
it so that the two gentlemen quietly step 
out. 

They glance up and down. The train has 
stopped at a small signal station. It is not 
far from morning, and the double city that 
stretches across the blue Danube cannot be 
many miles away. 

Inquiries are made and information given. 
They at once acquit the count and his British 
confederate of all complicity in the matter. 
The motor has broken down through some 
cause known only to machinists. They have 
wired already to Buda-Pesth for a new engine. 
It will be on hand in less than half an 
hour. 

The gentlemen seem to think there is noth- 
ing to be done under the circumstances but to 
burn a cigar or two, so they offer up sweet 


THE COEONEE BY BREVET. 


161 


incense upon the altar of habit, saunter up and 
down, conversing in low tones, and keeping an 
eye on the compartment that contains their 
traveling companions. 

Presently a window is opened, and a voice 
calls out : 

“ Whcit is the row, guard ? 

Although German is spoken. Colonel John 
Paul readily recognizes the voice of milord, 
who, in the semi-darkness has mistaken them 
for guards. 

He replies in the same language what has 
occurred, and although the British nobleman 
thanks him politely, the muttered curse that 
falls from his lips as he closes the window 
proves that he has discovered his blunder. 

After quite a tedious dela3q the whistle of the 
relief motor is heard down the rails, and soon 
it is attached to the stranded train. 

Their troubles for the present are over, and 
if none more serious crop up in the future 
they can thank their lucky stars. 

Buda-Pesth is reached some time after day- 
light, and here the^^ all get breakfast. As it is 
rather uncertain when they will have a chance 
to dine again, the gentlemen conspire together, 
make up a purse and have a large basket 
loaded with lunch that will keep starvation 

away for twentj^-four hours, at least, 

11 


162 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


They have a glimpse or so of Lord Elmer 
and the count as they skirmish around endeav- 
oring to get something to eat, but the others 
are very careful to give them a wide berth, 
though it can hardly be supposed that they 
hope to escape observation, and their very 
actions seem more suspicious on that account. 

Again they are on the way. 

From this point they leave the beautiful 
blue Danube and head for Szegedin on another 
river, a tributary to the one of which Strauss 
sings. The journey is a rough one, the road 
being anything but a model line, and yet the 
scenery attracts, at times even enthuses them. 
Nowhere in all Europe can the traveler find 
stranger sights than among the valleys of 
Hungary. The people at the different towns 
interest them, too, for they differ from those 
of northern Austria. 

Although north of the Danube peace reigns, 
the people are greatly interested in the war. 
The Huns are naturally a warlike race, and 
have been from the da^^s of the great Attila, 
who with his hosts overran Italy centuries 
ago. 

Hence, martial displa3^s are seen on every 
hand, and the nearer the border they draw, 
as the day wanes, the more noticeable these 
things become. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


163 


Many of the young men have drifted to the 
seat of war, supporting one side or the other 
as their faney dictates, but as a general thing 
they are against the Russians, for political 
reasons. Hungary has everything to gain 
and nothing to lose in a war with Turkey, 
whereas, on the other hand, a quarrel with 
the Russian bear would be apt to result dis- 
astrously to the southern countries of the 
great Austrian empire. 

During the afternoon they reach Temesvar. 
From this city by a roundabout route they 
will again strike the Danube near the border 
of Rouniania, and some distance below 
Belgrade, the capital of hostile Servia on the 
southern bank. 

It is during this second and last night of 
their journey together that the danger they 
anticipate must descend upon them. 

The day draws near its close. They have 
had delays at several places, but this is 
nothing new on a continental railway. People 
who travel much become philosophical, and 
take things as they come along, making the 
best of it. 

One advantage comes of these stops; the 
two ladies have a chance to get out and seek 
some exercise at several stations. Their garb 
at once gains them the respect of the 
Hungarian peasants, who know these noble 


164 


THB COLONEL BY BREVET. 


women wearing the red eross go to the seene 
of war to bind tip the wounds of the fallen. 
Every one is anxious to do them favors and 
show their feelings of friendship. 

At length the day closes. Clouds cover the 
heavens, and the air is raw. Colonel Paul 
ventures the prediction that it may even snow 
before morning comes again, and none dispute 
him. Of course they are well taken care of 
and comfortable. 

When morning comes, if all is well, they 
may separate to go different wat^s; at least 
Corney will have to leave them and head for 
Constantinople the best way possible; for, 
since war has come, the railroad service of 
Tvirkey, never anything to brag about, has 
become ridiculous, the trains creeping along 
like snails, and passengers give up all hopes of 
reaching their destination in an3'thing like a 
reasonable time. 

Colonel Paul has no fear for himself, but he 
does worry somewhat over the 3^oung woman 
who seems to have been thrown by Providence- 
in to his charge. 

What will the night bring forth for her? * A 
man who would stoop to conquer, no matter 
how low he has to go, is on the train, and 
sworn to possess her by hook or b3^ crook. 
He is ably seconded by the Russian count, who 
has probably given up his designs upon the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


165 


English girl, and now seeks to recover the 
papers Corney took from his private den in 
Vienna, which may yet cost him his life, as 
they contain facts damaging to his reputation 
as a Russian officer. 

Thus the shades of another night close in 
around them, and the train moves on, now 
crawling up a grade, anon thundering down 
into some valley that borders the Danube; 
and all the while they draw nearer the spot 
that is destined to be the scene of battle. 


CHAPTER lY. 


‘^THIS ATTACK ON THE TRAIN IS MEANT — 
FOR us!’’ 

They are suddenly aroused by the train 
eoming to a stop with a jerk that almost 
unseats them. Corney rolls upon the floor of 
the carriage, and scrambling to' his feet puts 
his hands to his neck as if he fears that the sud- 
den jar and strain has dislocated it. 

“By the ghost of St. Peter, what does this 
mean? Is it an earthquake, do ye think. 
Colonel, dear? ” he calls at the top of his voice 
for as the train come to a halt. Bedlam seems 
to have broken loose around them. 

Outside, men shout, weapons are discharged, 
and the shrieks of women can be heard ; women 
on board the cars, no doubt, who believe their 
last hour has come. 

“A queer earthquake,” says John Paul with 
a grim smile as he hears the shouts of those 

who make up the racket without. 

166 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


167 


Then he turns quiekly to the English girl. 

‘‘What can it mean? Has an accident 
befallen the train ? she asks, anxiously. 

“An accident of a peculiar nature, I fear,’’ he 
replies gravely ; “plainly. Lady Jeanie, I think 
we have been stopped by some marauding 
band of Bashi Bazotiks or Cossacks. We will 
know the worst in a brief time. I beg that you 
may compose yourself. We are here to defend 
you in case of danger.” 

Then he draws Corney to the window, and 
they both look out. The scene is any thingbut 
encouraging ; in fact its wildness is enough to 
send a spasm of alarm to the boldest heart. 

The train has been halted within sight of the 
Danube; obstructions placed upon the track, 
into which the engine ran, have brought them 
all to a standstill, though none of the car- 
riages seem to have left the track. 

There has been only a ghost of a moon ear- 
lier in the night and this vanished before ten 
o’clock, so that for several hours they have 
been plunging onward through utter dark- 
ness. 

What does this mean ? Has a new source of 
illumination burst into our heavens ? Why, it 
is almost as light as da^^ and objects stand 
out plainly in bold relief. Can it be possible 
time has passed even more rapidly than they 
have thought and another day dawned? ” 


168 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


None of them believe so; at least the two 
men have ocular evidence against such reason- 
ing; as they thrust their heads out of the win- 
dows they discover that houses are burning, 
and the glare of the conflagration is something 
appalling. 

This looks like war, thinks Colonel Paul, as 
he listens to the awful clamor and sees the 
flames shooting skyward from many a hay 
rick and mud plastered cottage, for, like the 
Bulgarians, these people along the Danube 
make a thatched basketwork house, and use 
this as the foundation, covering it with 
mud. 

He is so thoroughly impressed with the idea 
that he mechanically puts his hand to his 
pocket and draws out his revolver. Corne3^ 
already has one in the grip of his Angers, and 
he looks as though he expects to use it. 

“ What do you think ? ” asks John quickly. 

“The worst that I feared ; this attack on the 
train is meant for us!^^ 

“Yes.” 

“Lord Elmer wants one thing and the count 
another. I’ve fooled the Russian anyway,” 
with a laugh that sounds very strange consid- 
ering their desperate condition. 

“ How so ? ” asks the colonel. 

“Papers sent to the sultan by special mes- 
senger. The count will not win with me, no 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


169 


matter if 1113^ life goes out. Now, there are 
other things we must care for; how shall we 
save the English girl? Beclad,its a whole army 
we have here.’^ 

“ Corne3^, you do n’t feel like leaving us ? ” 

“You know me better than that, Colonel, 
dear. Depend on it, I’m here for keeps, even if 
a thousand divils came agin us. You order — 
I’ll obey. That’s what ails Corney O’Shea, 
only ye’ll have to be doing it mighty quick, me 
boy. Listen ! Upon me soul, I believe they’re 
bombarding the train.” 

It really sounds like an attack further up the 
line, and evidently their time must soon 
come. 

“There’s the river; if we could find a boat 
and go down the stream we might give the 
rascals the slip,” sa3^s John, e3^eing wistfullj^ the 
water, glimpses of which can be seen as the 
light falls upon it. 

His idea is not so bad after all, but it hinges 
on so many possibilities that the3" can hardly 
find space enough to hang a hat on. Corney 
suggests that they endeavor to defend them- 
selves where they are. With the rugs and seats 
they can make quite a formidable barricade, 
and perhaps hold their enemies at bay a little 
while, but Colonel Paul sees no hope in this. 
Their motor is doubtless injured ; he can hear 
steam rushing and believes the engine has run 


170 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


into the obstruction with such force as to ren- 
der it temporarily helpless. Surely this must be 
a doomed train, since twice it has encountered 
serious delays. Who is the Jonah aboard? 
Perhaps Colonel Paul has himself in mind when 
he thinks thus. At any rate he has never been 
accustomed to believe so in the past, since his 
friends have always called him the lucky 
colonel. 

That is neither here nor there, and has no 
bearing upon the question. 

There is a desperate attack made upon a 
train on the Roumanian border ; it is next to 
impossible to tell who the assailants are ; they 
may be Bulgarians, Servians, Turks, or of any 
other nationality, for these little states are 
drawn into the great war simply because they 
cannot keep out of it. 

The question to be immediately" decided is, 
how are they to escape the doom that threat- 
ens? To remain in the carriage seems like 
risking all, for the marauders will soon sur- 
round the train, scores upon scores of them, 
and evidently in a furious rage. Were they 
reasonable creatures there might be some 
hope, as John and Corney represent the two 
sides of the war ; but from their actions it can 
be seen that the assailants are in a mood 
to do murder first and reason later. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


171 


After watching the exciting scenes for nearly 
a minute, and marking the fact that the 
assailants seem to be running along from car 
to car of the long train, as though looking for 
some one. Colonel Paul makes up his mind. 

‘ ‘ Corney ! ” he bites off, suddenly. 

“Yours to command. Colonel. 

“Throw open my portmanteau and secure 
the two revolvers it contains.” 

“With pleasure. Colonel.” 

“Also the bag of ammunition.” 

“Consider it done, dear boy.” 

“My mind is made up, we must desert the 
sinking ship ; the train is stalled, and we are 
the objects for whom they search. Ladies, do 
you understand the matter ? Will you trust 
3^ourselves to my care? ” 

In the midst of danger there is something 
peculiarly attractive about this man. Others 
have noticed it before now on former occa- 
sions when a necessity arose for prompt action , 
and he proved himself equal to the emergency. 

The ladies may not fully comprehend the 
situation. Sister Therese holds back a little, 
as though she believes her garb and the sacred 
red cross upon it will save her. Understanding 
this. Colonel Paul has one hot shot to fire, 
and he believes he will be able to end the 
rebellion. 


172 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


friend and I have feared this; it is not 
an ordinary attaek, but one inspired by a 
man who is on the train ; a man who aspires 
to the hand of Lady Jeanie ! ” he says, quickly. 

The English girl gives an exclamation of 
dismay, and keeps her eyes fastened on his 
face; she believes every word he utters as 
though it were from holy writ. 

“I must speak fast; seconds are precious. 
This man has planned to have O’Shea and 
myself killed. Then he will perform some 
prodigy of valor in rescuing Lady Jeanie from 
the soldiers, make himself a hero in her eyes, 
and as he fondly believes win her gratitude, 
and her hand.” 

‘‘Tell me,” she breaks in, with deep emotion, 
“the name of this man — this base plotter.” 

He does not hesitate, for the time will admit 
of no beating around the bush. 

“Lord Elmer Crawford ; he is at present in 
the next compartment, ready to spring out 
and do the rescue act after your protectors 
here have given up their lives for you. Now, 
Lady Jeanie, will you go with us ? ” 

“For your sake, I will,” comes the answer. 

He comprehends, and nods eagerly. She 
understands that Sister Therese and herself 
would be safe anyway, but if they stay here, 
the two gentlemen will remain to protect 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


173 


them against possible insult, and consequently 
lose their lives. 

This is what decides her at once. He turns 
to Sister Therese, who also nods her head. 
Whatever she may think of Colonel Paul, she 
realizes that he is just now a brave man, 
devoted to their interests. Besides, the good 
Sister has taken the alarm because her pro- 
tege is in danger ; she loves Lady Jeanie, and 
when a hawk hovers over the dove cote she 
turns to the American. 

By this time O’Shea has done what John 
requested, and it has not taken more than 
half a minute for all to come about. Tossing 
the leather portmanteau out upon the floor of 
the carriage Corney has it open in an instant. 
His quick hands dive down among the gar- 
ments it contains, searching for the brace of 
large revolvers the colonel has secured for just 
such an emergency as this — weapons such as 
the cowbo3^s of the western plains carry — 
weapons which become deadly in the hands of 
a remarkable shot like John Paul, and are not 
to be despised even when an ordinary marks- 
man like Corney handles them. Besides, he 
has found the little bag of cartridges, which 
he secretes upon his person. 

“All right. Colonel,” he exclaims, waving 
the brace of nav^^ revolvers on high. 


174 


THE COEONEI, BY BREVET. 


The officer is engaged in hastily wrapping 
Lady Jeanie in a rng ; he fears lest she may be 
cold ere they are through with this night’s 
adventure. It is wonderful how much can be 
done in a very limited time, when events are 
pressing, and each second counts. All these 
things, which it takes so long to chronicle, 
have in reality occurred in rapid succes- 
sion. 

True, the clamor outside has increased mean- 
while, proving that tlie marauders, be they 
Servians, Bulgarians or Turks on a raid, are 
drawing closer to the carriage containing our 
friends. 

It cannot be long ere they surround the car, 
when their heads will be thronging at the win- 
dows, and voices bellowing forth the fierce war 
cries that mark their attack. 

Then it will be too late to accomplish a 
retreat, and they must take what fate serves 
them. The colonel knows what he has before 
him — one of the most desperate affairs of his 
life. He does not shrink from the responsibil- 
ity, nor is he rendered any the less bold by 
the overwhelming force of the advancing 
foe. 

‘‘We must get out, Corney,” he cries. 

“But the guard is not in sight.” 

“We shall do without him.” 

“The door is locked. Colonel.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


175 


“Well/^ quietly, yet with clenched teeth, “it 
will be a tough door that can hold against me 
under circumstances like these. Let me 
at it.’^ 

He reaches a position in front of the door 
and gives the latter a fierce shake, more to test 
its power than with any hope of opening it in 
that way. The car happens to be an old one, 
and the door has received quite a twist 
through the force of the collision ahead, so 
that Colonel Paul finds the chances in his 
favor. 

He does not hesitate an instant but throws 
his weight upon the door with the sudden fury 
of a tropical storm bursting over the sea. It 
must be a strong barrier that can hold out 
out against such a modern Hercules. 

Corney utters an Irish yell when the door 
flies open ; he sees the way clear, and has every 
confidence in the man who can thus overcome 
obstacles. Even the furious mob of soldiers 
outside cannot keep such a fire-eater from 
pressing on. 

O’Shea sees the colonel spring out and he 
gives a leap in the same direction. 

“Ladies, make haste. Let no man approach, 
Corney, while I help them out,” shouts John, 
for the racket is so intense that one has to 
speak above the ordinary to be heard. 


176 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Quick to comprehend and ready to obey, the 
Irishman wheels and presents the revolvers. 
He is none too soon, for several of the fierce 
soldiers are near by, and, having discovered 
them, rush forward with shouts, as if intend- 
ing to do the travelers bodily harm. 

O’Shea cannot quite make tjiem out; he 
believes they are some allies of the Turks, who 
have perhaps mutinied, and are ravaging the 
country. How the British nobleman ever got 
control of them, no one attempts to guess; it 
is enough for them to feel that such a thing is 
the case. 

The man who has sworn to back Colonel 
Paul up in this matter takes in the situation 
with that one sweeping glance. He knows 
this first attack only presages what is to come, 
and it must be met with a bold front, for the 
calls of the soldiers will soon draw their com- 
rades to the spot. 

Hence, he begins using the revolvers that 
have come intp his hands so recently. They 
prove to be splendid weapons, the best money 
can bu3" in Vienna, and although Corney does 
not pretend to be a master hand with them, he 
is himself surprised to see the execution tiiey 
do among the onrushing soldiers, who, half 
drunken with the spoils they have secured in 
the blazing village, hardly know what they 
face. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


177 


Before the weapons have sotincled half a 
dozen times, they are dancing about like so 
many wandering dervishes, clasping their 
limbs or bodies where leaden missiles have 
struck, and howling in a far different strain 
than marked their advance such a brief time 
previous. 

This respite suffices for Colonel Paul, who 
has succeeded in his labor of helping the two 
Sisters of the Red Cross from the carriage, over 
the door that was wrecked through his muscu- 
lar power. 

If this measure of success keeps up, they can 
hope to eventually outwit their foes. At any 
rate Colonel Paul is not the man to weary in 
well doing; when he begins a task it is his 
method to keep right on to the end. That is 
what brings success so often — assurance and 
perseverance. 

One glance around shows him that the 
avenue he has marked out is not yet closed,^ 
though the wild looking soldiers of the Balkans 
seem to be in nearly every quarter. 

Perhaps the British nobleman is actually 
alarmed at the condition of affairs his ardor 
has brought about ; really, the situation is 
enough to give any one a thrilling sensation; 
so Jove might have trembled at the avalanche 

of thunderbolts be called down from above. 

12 


178 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“Come! Assist Sister Therese, old fellow, 
and remember that we must keep the way 
clear. 

That is enough for Corney, who will do his 
share of the fighting as well as his Irish blood 
allows. Those of his race were never known 
to shirk an engagement, and Colonel Paul can 
rest assured that he will have an able second 
in the man who comes close behind. 

Voices are heard; English tones greet 
them. 

“ Come back. Colonel Paul ! Bring the lady 
to the carriage, where we can all defend her. I 
stand ready to offer the life of a Life Guards- 
man in her behalf. You are crazy, man, to 
leave the train. It is your only hope. Bring 
her back 1 

The colonel minds not the wild shouts of the 
baffled Briton, who has undoubtedly bitten off 
more than he can masticate. They have noth- 
ing more to fear from that quarter, and it 
gives John some satisfaction to believe that 
Lord Elmer may even receive a rough handling 
through the wild elements he has thus 
uncaged. 

Of course they do not hope to escape observa- 
tion; the uncouth antics of the men whom 
Corney peppered in such a lively fashion with 
the brace of navy revolvers belonging to the 
colonel will draw the attention of others, who 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


179 


in turn must shout the news along the line, 
until the whole foree is in motion, heading 
toward the fugitives. Their hope lies in the 
start made and the semi-gloom that rests upon 
the blue Dan ul:e beyond the radius of light cast 
by the burning village. 


CHAPTER V. 


TWO AGAINST FIFTY. 

The colonel must be sanguine of success, or 
he would not go into the affair ; 3^et even he 
has not expected to accomplish the purpose 
they have in view without a severe effort. 

This is soon made manifest, for the shouts of 
the marauding soldiers appear to be turned 
toward their quarter, as though attention 
has been drawn in that direction. 

John shoots one glanee over his shoulder 
even as he runs, and se^s the situation. It is 
as he suspects; the whole force of savage sol- 
diery in the immediate quarter is in motion, 
advancing toward them. Some do not seem 
able to make very rapid progress, owing to 
the faet that their legs are rendered unstead^^ 
in consequence of the liberal potations they 
have indulged in. 

Strange what queer vehieles fortune some- 
time uses in order to further her plans. At 

first sight the fact that these wild mutineers 
180 


6 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


181 


have gorged themselves so that they are many 
of them in a beastly state of intoxication, 
looked to be a misfortune for Colonel Paul and 
those with him; now, behold, it a^Dpears a 
blessing in disguise. 

There are, however, some among their 
enemies who seem to be in a better condition 
for business than their comrades, perhaps 
because they drank less, or were able to stand 
the racket better. 

From these they look for trouble, and, noting 
their advance. Colonel Paul throws a few 
words over his shoulder to his companion in 
retreat. 

“ Corney ! he shouts. 

‘‘It’s me that’s on deck, me boy,” replies the 
game Irishman close at hand. 

“One of the bull dogs,” pursues John. 

The other comprehends what is meant, 
and immediately a large navy revolver is 
thrust into the hand of the soldier, who eon- 
tinues : 

“A handful of cartridges— load as 3^ou go. 
We will have to face about the other way 
presently, and drive those fellows off.” 

Corney has been wise. When he found the 
small bag of forty-two caliber cartridges, he 
emptied it into his coat pockets, so that the 
ammunition could be secured without any 
trouble or loss of time. 


182 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


This now proves very fortunate, and Colonel 
Paul finds time to admire his companion’s 
forethought even while he secures a handful of 
the cartridges. 

It is necessary for him to release his hold 
upon Lady Jeanie’s arm while he attempts to 
fill the empt3" chambers of the weapon. She is 
an English girl and used to walking, so she is 
able to get along quite comfortably without 
his assistance. With remarkable speed John 
reloads the chambers his companion emptied 
at the foe, and consumes only a few seconds in 
doing all this. 

Then he feels that he is protected against 
the sudden onslaught of the enemy. The 
fugitives from the stalled train have by this 
time reached the center of the scattered 
houses. Once, only a few hours previous, this 
place was a prosperous village, and its people 
little suspected the doom that was soon to 
come upon them. Now the houses and hay 
ricks are burning, their stores pillaged, and all 
the horrors of war descended upon them. 

It is with satisfaction John Paul makes note 
of one fact ; the light is declining rather than 
growing stronger. This promises to benefit 
them in the end; indeed they must feel the 
effects of it very soon. 

The river is seen be^^ond. How weirdly the 
flash of the flames is reflected from its bosom. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


183 


Now a new source of worry assails the colonel. 
He has built his plans upon the probability^ of 
finding a boat on hand which will hold them 
all. If this fails, they will be in something of 
a fix, at bay upon the river bank, from which 
Yankee ingenuity or Irish shrewdness must 
rescue them. 

Those who pursue come thundering down 
the village street after them. Being unen- 
cumbered and filled with a fierce determina- 
tion to reach those against whom their anger 
is kindled, these men make extraordinarily^ 
good time; they promise to overhaul the 
fugitives before the border of the river is 
gained. 

Colonel Paul is not the man to glory in 
bloodshed, but he is a soldier, and when forced 
to defend himself, or any one in his care, he 
does not shrink from using all the means 
fortune places in his power. 

‘‘Corney, we must repel boarders! Right 
about face ! ” is his sudden order. 

At the same moment he finds a place where 
the English girl can drop and be protected 
from any bullets that may come at random. 
The two Sisters crotich there while their brave 
protectors wheel and face the on-rushing foe. 

Those who come present a straggling front, 
but they are a fierce looking set, and might 


184 THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

well strike dismay to the hearts of even bold 
men. 

Seeing the two fugitives turn at bay, they 
realize that a desperate erisis has arrived, and 
consequently redouble their efforts to distract 
the aim of their enemies, and perhaps cause 
them to lose their nerve. To accomplish this 
last they will have to appear as very demons 
of the Danube, for the two allies are not 
accustomed to turning back, once their hand 
is put to the plow. 

They waste no time, for the sooner these 
leading lights of the hostile force are taught a 
lesson, the better it will serve their purpose. 
It is the colonel himself who opens the ball, 
and his shot brings a man down upon the 
roadway, hugging a wounded leg; it serves 
just about as well to disable as to kill, at such 
a time, John thinks; indeed, the awful cries of 
the wounded are apt to distract their com- 
panions and cause a panic to ensue. Hence, 
he makes it an object to wound in a certain 
wajj and, being such a remarkable shot, is 
enabled to accomplish his purpose. 

Not so Corney. So long as he hits his man, 
little he cares what damage the leaden missile 
may do. It may strike arm or leg, head or 
body ; what he particularh^ desires is to make 
each bullet count. Nothing would please 
Corney better than to have his missile take a 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


185 


zigzag course, and down three or more of the 
enemy. It would be a feat over which he could 
have gloried for man3" a day. 

The rattle of firearms, the vshouts and shrieks 
of the enem3% together with the strange light 
cast by the burning houses, form a picture 
that one person at least who looks upon it will 
never forget. This is Lad3" Jeanie. 

Crouching where John placed her, she trem- 
bles, not so mueh on aceount of the danger 
menacing herself as that to which he is 
exposed. Her e3^es are fastened upon him. 
How bravely he stands there, sending in those 
telling shots ! All the elamor comes from the 
other side. John and his eomrade stand there, 
perfectly silent, their lips compressed, their 
eyes flashing, working like maehines. 

The smell of burnt powder makes it seem 
more like a real battle. Strange that thevSe 
women who go to the front to bind up tlie 
wounds of the fallen should themselves be the 
ones to bring about an engagement while on 
the wa3^ 

It is one of those incongruities fate indulges 
in at various times; just as vaccination, 
intended as a preventive, brings about a mild 
case of the dread disease. 

All is quiekly over, for the fire from the two 
heavy revolvers is scorching in its nature. 
John has downed a man with every shot, and 


186 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Corney certainly deserves credit for the work 
he has accomplished, though his bullets have 
taken hold upon their victims in the strangest 
manner possible. 

Before one can count fifty the whole affair is 
over. What few soldier marauders remain 
unhurt, either hide behind buildings or turn to 
fly. They realize that it is.not so easy to over- 
come two men as they have imagined. 

It must not be supposed that the shooting 
has all been confined to one side. On the con- 
trary many shots have been fired by the 
enemy, and the crouching women have heard 
the peculiar whiz and whistle of leaden messen- 
gers cutting the air all around them, and 
threatening to carry death in their tracks. 

John feels a twinge in his shoulder and 
knows he has been wounded ; there is nothing 
disabling about the hurt, so he pays little heed 
to it, but goes on with the business in hand. 

When the sudden collapse of the assault 
takes place. Colonel Paul knows what they 
must do. The river is close at hand ; they will 
reach it and go down the stream with all 
haste, if by rare good luck they find the boat 
they seek. 

“Load as you retreat, Corney, old war- 
horse!^’ he calls aloud, for the clamor is still 
deafening, and belated marauders advance to 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


187 


take a hand in the affair before it is 
ended. 

The Irishman hears and obe3^s. 

Perceiving that they are wanted again, the 
two women in the garb of Sisters issue forth 
from their place of retirement, and seek the 
side of their protectors. All hasten down 
toward the river. 

Lady Jeanie notes a singular thing; the 
whistle of passing bullets can no longer be 
heard. It is as if the soldiers have ceased firing 
as soon as the two women appear in view. 

This gives her an idea that, half drunken as 
these desperate men are, they respect the won- 
derful Red Cross; they understand that the 
bearer is no partisan, and never asks a 
wounded man’s nationality or religion before 
succoring him. 

It affords Jeanie Stockton a certain amount 
of secret pleasure to think that she can, as it 
were, throw a mantle of protection about the 
man who does so much to fight her battles. 
She realizes the first power of the magical red 
cross. 

The race grows seriotts again, and it is evi- 
dent that another fight will have to be made 
upon the river bank, whether they find a boat 
there or not. 

Both men are heated with the engagement, 
and in a prime condition to do their best. A 


188 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


soldier does not know what he is capable of 
doing until he finds himself wrought up to a 
desperate frame of mind by the heat of battle; 
powder-begrimed veterans then rush upon cer- 
tain death as recklessly as a lot of crazy men 
might ; the very air is charged with a subtle 
electricity that makes heroes out of men once 
deemed cowards. 

The last dozen 3^ards are passed over, and 
the four fugitives from the stalled train find 
themselves upon the bank of the river. How 
eagerly their e3^es scan its surface in search of 
a boat; the suspense of that moment is ter- 
rible. 

By chance they have reached the river bank 
at a point where the villagers were in the habit 
of securing their craft. Under ordinary cir- 
cumstances perhaps a dozen boats could be 
found here. This is far from being the truth 
now. The sudden and unexpected attack of 
the fierce Bashi-Bazoiiks, or whatever class the 
assailants might belong to, has in a measure 
demoralized the villagers. Those who can flee 
have doubtless jumped into boats and cut 
adrift, to float down the broad Danube to 
security. 

This is a good thing for them, but makes it 
bad for the quartette of foreigners who have 
risked so much in the hope and expectation of 
finding a boat here which will carry them off. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


189 


Disappointment awaits them; not a craft 
can they see upon the water. This fact gives 
Colonel Paul a cold shiver, for further flight is 
of course barred by the river, while their 
enemies, gathering courage through the rapid 
increase in their number, are pressing on their 
flanks and in the rear like a pack of hungry 
wolves closing around a wounded buflalo. 

“At ’em again, my tiger!” says John 
through his clenched teeth, as he finds shelter 
for Jean ie and Sister Thc’^se; “we must dis- 
perse the cowards for a short time — until we 
can find a boat.” 

The soldiers who advance seem to under- 
stand the situation better than before. When 
the two men thus prepare for business it is' 
like stripping a war vessel for action. Those 
who were in the former engagement recognize 
these signs and know that bullets will soon be 
flying — bullets, each of which is sent with a 
mission, for it has been noticed that the 
American never misses. 

This, then, accounts for the fact that when 
the two fast friends wheel around and present 
their arms in the direction of the advancing 
foe, a number of the leaders are suddenly 
seized with cramps or some disease that 
makes them double up and roll upon the 
ground. 


190 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


The force of the assailants is thus reduced in 
point of numbers, and, when the new engage- 
ment begins, John Paul sees to it that this 
go(5d work goes on. They have roused the 
lion, and must abide by the consequences. 

How they melt under that hot fire ! Really, 
in half a minute the field looks as though an 
avalanche had descended with sudden force. 
Men lie here and there nursing their wounds, 
others crawl in the direction of shelter, while 
only a handful continue to plunge forward. 
These last bow their heads as men will when 
facing a storm; little good this does them 
against a rain of lead. 

When the last man has gone down, or at 
least been forced to beat a hasty retreat, a 
breathing spell is given the gallant pair. 

Tojohn^s amazement he suddenly finds the 
second revolver thrust into his hand, and 
hears the voice of the Irishman cry: 

^'Hold the fort, Colonel, dear, hold the 
fort!’^ 

Even as he speaks, Corney makes a break. 
His action is peculiar, to say the least, and 
while John, crouching there, begins to slap 
new cartridges into the chambers of both 
revolvers, in place of the ones discharged, he 
cannot keep from turning his head to see what 
his friend is about. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


191 


As he runsCorney divests himself of his coat. 
Has he gone mad that on such a cold night he 
thus throws his clothes away ? Presently John 
sees a method in his madness, and realizes 
what an exceedingly longhead this companion 
of his possesses. 

Upon the bosom of the gurgling Danube 
has appeared a boat — not a small skiff, but 
what appears to be a good house boat— just 
the very thing to take them to some town 
below, where they may receive succor. 

This boat is a mystery; it may belong to 
the Turkish government, and be up in this 
region for some dark purpose. A pipe that 
looks more like the stove pipe seen in Irish 
shanties in the squatter region of New York, 
sticks out above the roof, and a wheel act- 
ually beats the water at the stern. 

If they can board this ridiculous cheesebox 
it will prove a haven indeed, for inside that 
cabin — Heaven save the mark — the ladies may 
rest in comfort during the night ride. 

There is only one way in which it can be 
done, and Corney, it seems, lias undertaken it. 
He must plunge into the icy waters of the 
Danube, board the novel steamboat, and in 
some way influence those in charge to make a 
landing. That is why he drops his coat as he 
runs; he does not forget the ammunition in 


192 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


the pockets, though the cartridges are presum- 
ably waterproof. 

Now he has run out on the spur that pro- 
jects over the water. Not a second does the 
hero waste, but with his hands above his head 
plunges in. He rises to the surface; his head 
can be seen bobbing up and down upon the 
water as he swims like a duck away from the 
shore. 

It is eas3^ to see what his plans are; he 
hopes to intercept the boat and crawl on 
board. 

Colonel Paul’s attention is now called to the 
front, where the soldiers, emboldened by what 
a])pears to be a desertion, once more advance. 
They do not run as before, but creep forward, 
taking advantage of everything that may 
serve as cover. 

He has met enemies like this before, and 
knows how to manage them. The quick e3^e 
that has picked out its quarry on many an 
occasion when in the air does not falter 
now. 

They cannot find shelter large enough to 
screen them, it seems. Some of them believe 
that the American sharpshooter has a facult3^ 
for sending a bullet around a stump, as an 
expert base ball pitcher curves his inshoots. 

At any rate Colonel Paul amuses himself by 
sending an occasional ball at some fellow who 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


193 


exposes himself, and keeps the enemy on the 
qui vive. They are many and he but one; still 
they dare not rush upon him to overwhelm the 
Yankee. 

He finds that the hammer falls upon an 
empty eartridge ; one of his revolvers is empty, 
the eylinder having made the rounds. Just as 
he is about to drop the useless weapon he 
hears : 

“Hand me that, please; now some car- 
tridges, Colonel.” 

It is Lady Jeanie ! 

The English girl, fond of horseback riding 
and sports of various kinds, knows how to put 
a revolver in working order, given the mate- 
rial. How the colonel’s heart warms toward 
her as he places the faithful navy in her hand 
and follows it with a handful of ammunition. 

He remains on guard and ready to down 
any venturesome foeman who may appear in 
sight, but they seem to have learned a lesson, 
and keep in cover pretty well. 

It is strange how one bold man can at times 
hold a pack at bay, and. yet history tells of 
many such an instance; no war occurs with- 
out new events of a like order being added to 
the list. 

The seconds become minutes. 

So engrossed is Colonel Paul in keeping 
guard, while in a measure screening himself 


194 


THE COLONEL BY BREYET. 


from the fire of liis concealed foes, that he for- 
gets all about the venture of his comrade, until 
a cheer3" voice behind is heard calling : 

‘‘All aboard!’’ 



CHAPTER YI. 


THE GUNPOWDER PLOT. 

It is eYident that, wild as the scheme of the 
Irish gladiator may have appeared, he has suc- 
ceeded in it. The queer tub of a steamboat 
has run bow on into the bank, and they can 
reach her deck with a dozen steps. 

Corneyis seen through a window in the pilot 
house; he must have immediately made his 
way to that quarter, and exercised sojne influ- 
ence over the man at the wheel, so as to make 
him turn in against his will. 

^‘Come, we will embark, ladies,’^ says the 
colonel, as coolly as though about to embark 
on some pleasure excursion. 

They obey his will, and immediately come 
out from their place of hiding. Odd as the 
craft may appear, it looks almost majestic in 
their eyes just then, for does it not come to 
rescue them from the Slough of Despond ? 

Hastening forward they reach the edge of the 
bank and the colonel helps them aboard. The 

i95 


196 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


voice of the Irishman comes floating from the 
pilot house. “My coat, Colonel, would ye 
mind getting it? The ammunition must be 
saved.’’ 

Without a question John springs ashore 
again. There is a gap now between the deck 
and the bank, for the current is drawing the 
boat away. This opening increases rajDidly in 
size, and if John is dela3^ed he may have to fol- 
low O’Shea’s plan and take to the water in 
order to get aboard. 

As he bends hastil3^ down to recover the coat 
his foot slips and he falls. A shriek is heard 
from the boat, and one of the Sisters of the 
Red Cross is seen to rush out of the cabin, as 
though she would fly to his side, regardless of 
danger. 

In that moment Lady Jeanie learns the 
secret of her woman’s heart; never again can 
she believe that Colonel John Paul is onl3^ a 
warm friend ; the thought of his being 
wounded, perhaps killed, has sent a convulsive 
shudder through her being that bursts open 
the doors of her heart, and reveals its interior 
to her own eyes. 

The suspense is for but a fleeting second or 
two; John is almost immediately upon his feet 
again, holding the coat in his hand. He turns 
and runs toward them, showing no evidence of 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET^. 


197 


being hurt, til ongli guns crack and bullets hur- 
tle around him. 

A few powerful leaps and he has reached the 
spot where the nose of the little steamer was 
rammed up against the shore. 

Now a gap of at least ten feet lies between, 
and as the little vessel feels the effect of the 
current more and more this promises to 
rapidly increase. 

Colonel Paul does not hesitate. He has 
gathered the coat under his arm in a bundle. 
Taking a backward step he launches himself 
through the air. Luckily the boat deck is 
lower than the bank from which he makes his 
flying leap, so that much is in his favor. 

It is a gallant jump; his feet fall upon the 
deck, and with an effort he keeps from falling 
on his face. 

Hooray!’^ howls Corney in great glee, 
‘^now. Mister Pilot, back her out and away 
• we go. The day is ours, I reckon, though I’d 
advise ye to have a care for awhile,” as a 
bullet splits a chip from the side of the pilot 
house within a foot of his head. 

Corney is almost half frozen, and seeks the 
region of the engine to dry his garments. 
Meanwhile the colonel has entered the little 
cabin where he finds a Turkish gentleman 
showing great signs of uneasiness, for he fears 


i98 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


lest hls contemplated escape down the Danube 
is about to be cut off. 

Colonel Paul is equal to the situation, and 
at once explains that his companion is an 
ambassador of the sultan, on his way to 
Constantinople with important dispatches 
for Mehemet Murad and his commander in 
chief, Abdul Kerim Pasha. 

This information of course makes a firm 
friend of the Turkish gentleman, who is really 
a secret agent of the sultan, making allies up 
the Danube or something of that sort. He 
bestows what poor accommodations he has at 
the disposal of the ladies. They find him quite 
a gentleman, and answer his questions con- 
cerning the strange assault upon village and 
train as best they may without telling all the 
circumstances connected with it. 

The firing seems to have ceased now, and 
John, passing outside, finds that the light 
from the burning village no longer makes their 
surroundings stand out in painful distinctness. 
It is rapidly falling astern, and he listens with 
much pleasure to the sounds of battle growing 
more and more indistinct as the current of 
the river, aided by the odd wheel of the 
steamer, sends them on toward the south- 
east. The shouts and reports of firearms are 
but pulsations, beating upon the night air. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


199 


Soon they will be gone entirely and the 
excitement of the night must remain only a 
memory. Colonel Paul has reason to be satis- 
fied with the amount of work done. He 
knows these men cannot find any means of 
heading them off, even if such might be their 
desire, for they have destroyed the only 
available engine in halting the train. 

John wonders why the firing keeps up now 
that those they sought to destroy have 
escaped. He begins to believe that the mad- 
dened marauders, unable to accomplish their 
end in one way, and determined to have 
foreign lives, have in their drunken fury 
turned upon Lord Elmer and his party, and it 
is these worthies who now defend themselves. 
Should such prove to be the case it will only 
be simple justice. Those who sow the wind 
must reap the whirlwind. It is nature^s law, 
as immutable as the laws of the Medes and 
Persians. 

He cannot help but smile grimly while 
standing there listening to the fusilade, the 
furious cries, and the general clamor, believing 
as he does that those who conspired against 
them are now in the midst of the whirl of fire, 
while he and his friends glide peacefully down 
the Danube, with no disturbing elements 
around. 


200 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


They do not fear pursuit, for their enemies 
have no means of reaching them. Boats are 
at a premium above, and even were one found 
it could hardly hope to overtake that which 
is propelled by steam. 

By this time Corney has dried his clothing 
and appears in the cabin. He has a peculiar 
look upon his face which the colonel notices 
but cannot understand. O’Shea hides it 
with a smile and speaks to Lady Jeanie, con- 
gratulating her on the fortunate escape, while 
she, recognizing -true bravery, is only too glad 
to take the Irishman’s brown hand in both of 
hers and thank him heartily for all he has 
risked in her behalf. 

This she has not done with the colonel, and 
yet he performed even greater prodigies of 
valor than O’Shea in her behalf. Why is this 
so? He feels very strange about it, and 
notices what he believes to be a change in her 
manner toward him. It makes John uncom- 
fortable. He fears he has done or said some- 
thing to offend her. Good Heavens ! he would 
cut off his hand to save her annoyance; he 
would go to no end of trouble for this bright- 
faced girl. While he watches her talking so 
earnestly to Corney, his face probably gives 
forth the expression of his heart. A man can- 
not forever hide that which is at the root of 
all his actions, and John has awakened to a 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


201 


truth that causes him both joy and fear. 
Henceforth a new element enters into his life — 
he loves! 

It is therefore somewhat distraeting, while 
he stands there feasting his eyes upon the 
bright face of Lady Jeanie, to hear a voice say 
in his ear : 

“ Beware, John Paul ; she is not for you ! ” 
The surprised soldier turns and beholds 
Sister Therese close hy^ holding one finger up 
in a warning manner, as though cautioning 
him not to continue the eonversation which 
thus far has been monopolized by her sen- 
tenee. 

He feels uneomfortable. The feeling he had 
when first he met this woman returns to haunt 
him. What is she to him, that her voice must 
be lifted up against his love making? 

He is sorely perplexed, but resolves to think 
no more about the matter. Perhaps Sister 
Therese has hopes of influeneing Lady Jeanie 
into joiningher order, and, realizing the danger 
that lies in the presenee of a baehelor, hopes to 
frighten him off in this way. 

John is more concerned in the lady herself. 
He wonders if he has done anything to deserve 
eensure at her hands, and ean remember noth- 
ing. Poor fellow, he is already getting into 
hot water. Love brings its troubles as well as 
its joys, yet who can look back and say he 


i202 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


would rather never have known the sensa- 
tion ? 

“It is better to have loved and lost, 

Than never to have loved at all.” 

Presently O’Shea joins him. Ladyjeanle 
looks toward him rather appealingly, he fan- 
cies, and he would join her immediately only 
that Corney lays a hand on his arm and 
restrains him. 

“A few words in private, Colonel dear. 
Don’t look surprised; the old Turk maybe 
watching us, and I’ve good reasons for not 
alarming him,” the Irishman says in an 
apparently careless tone. 

Colonel Paul takes the cue at once and seems 
to be laughing as he follows Corney across and 
out of the cabin. They gain the forward deck 
of the peculiar little craft. The boat is descend- 
ing the Danube with perhaps a speed of ten 
knots an hour for the current is very favor- 
able. 

A few lights show back of the pilot house, 
but even these are guarded. The only sounds 
to be heard are the swish of the wheel, and the 
dull thud of the engine, working steadily. 

Around them all is darkness. The glare of 
the burning village can only be seen in the sky, 
for they have gone far on their way during 
the time that has elapsed, and the racket has 
either ceased entirely or else distance has 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 20^ 

placed hills between ; at any rate they hear It 
no longer. 

The colonel wonders what brings about this 
interview. Corne^^ looks serious, his manner 
is mysterious, and something tells the colonel 
that more trouble hovers over them. 

He will soon learn the truth, at any rate, for 
they have now reached a place where Corney 
can talk without being overheard, and this is 
evidently what he desires. 

Bend your head, me bo}^ The pilot yonder 
has ears like a \yniL, and I don’t want him to 
hear what I am about to say, or, bedad, there 
might be an explosion aboard this elegant 
steamer.” 

Of course John Paul is all attention ; he feels 
mystery in the air, and knows not what to 
make of it. 

“Well, I’m listening, old man. What have 
you got to say about this business? ” he mut- 
ters. 

The Irishman’s not the one to play any prac- 
tical joke; he means business when he hits from 
the shottlder. 

“Sure, I’ve made a discovery, Colonel 
dear.” 

“Indeed! What’s the nature of it? Were 
you changed in the cradle? Are you the gen- 
uine Lord Elmer Crawford, Corney?” 

The other chuckles. 


204 


The colonEi. by brevet. 


‘‘Be aisy now, Colonel dear. YeVe had your 
innings and now I’ll have mine; I’ll raise that 
curly hair on your head like a galvanic battery, 
so I will. Hark 3^e, me bo3", the discovery I’ve 
made concerns this model steamer.” 

“Ah ! yes; then it also concerns us.” 

“Well, yes. Listen again. They’ve a cargo 
aboard the boat, a cargo that it sends the cowld 
chills down me back to think of,” and the 
Irishman shrugs his shoulders in a French way 
that is suggestive of his feelings. 

“ What is this cargo, Corney ? ” 

Colonel Paul is curious, of course, after 
what has happened. Is the hold of the steamer 
filled with live Turks ready to burst out at a 
signal and overwhelm them ? Even yet he does 
not imagine the true inwardness of the 
game. 

He gives one or two guesses during the few 
seconds that Corney stands waiting, as though 
to let him puzzle his head. Then he confesses 
his inability to master the matter. 

“Let’s hear it, old man,” he says, drawing 
out a cigar and feeling for a match. 

It is dark, but his companion, perhaps 
through a feeling of sympathy, seems to know 
what is going on. He lays a hand on his 
arm. 

“Colonel, dear.” 

“Yes.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


205 


“What would ye be after doing? 

“Have a smoke; its been hours since I Ve 
tasted a weed, Corney.” 

“And it’ll be hours before ye taste another,” 
comes the surprising declaration of the Irish- 
man ; “ that is, if ye have any regard for the life 
of that sweet young girl in the cabin yon- 
der.” 

“Bless my soul, what does the fellow 
mean ? ” but all the same he fails to ignite the 
match. 

“Just this — we’re on a powder boat,” comes 
the thrilling whisper of the Irishman. 

“What?” 

“This queer little bit of a steamer is loaded 
down with powder and dynamite for the 
Turkish government. A match dropped at j List 
the right place would send us all to glory. 
Faith, we’d never know what hurt us at 
all.” 

“The deuce! Where did you learn this?” 
asks the colonel, carefully replacing the danger- 
ous match in his pocket safe. 

“You remember I went down to dry nieself 
at the engine room. I noticed how careful the 
fireman was — he seemed to be on guard the 
whole time. Something was wrong, I saw 
quick enough, and from words dropped in con- 
versation I learned the truth.” 


206 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘Well, the sooner we get off this dangerous 
craft, then, the better for our peace of mind,^^ 
remarks the colonel, who begins to fear they 
may have jumped from the frying pan into the 
fire. 

“ Thataint the worst. Colonel, dear,’^ quietly 
adds the Irishman, with a chuckle. 

“ Good heavens ! One would think you took 
a positive delight in adding to our miseries,’^ 
groans John, still thinking of Ladj^ Jeanie. 

“ You know better. Colonel. But the danger 
is great, and we must lay politics aside. For 
the present 3^ou are no Russian and I no Turk; 
we must be plain Yank and Irish, combined to 
meet an emergency.’^ 

“There is my hand on it.’^ 

“Just like 3^ourold self. Now listen, me boy. 
This boat is in double danger. There’s a lot of 
Russian daredevils secreted aboard, who have 
sworn to capture the craft or blow her to 
atoms.” 

Very pleasant intelligence this — no wonder 
the colonel shudders as he contemplates what 
may be the possible outcome of this adventure . 
No man can imagine himself being torn into 
fragments and hurled suddenly into eternit3^, 
with anything like equanimity. 

“Are you sure you haven’t dreamed this, 
Corney?” he asks, dismay struggling in his 
tones. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


207 


“Sure? Well, I heard the Russians talking 
in the hold, and I know enough of the blasted 
tongue to get onto what they were say- 
ing.’’ 

“Was it pure luck that threw this chance in 
your way?” pursues the colonel, bound to 
hear all. 

“Divil a bit! ’Twas that monkey-faced gos- 
soon styled the engineer; they’ve got him in 
their clutches, they have, and he’s afraid for his 
life, but he plucked up enough courage to whis- 
per a few words to one Corney O’Shea, who 
learned the rest.” 

“This is a singular thing,” mutters John. 

“Not so much after ye examine it closely. 
How many are aboard — the old Turk, the 
pilot, engineer and fireman, and the last is in 
league with the Russians, who aint soldiers at 
all, I reckon, but a gang of river pirates who 
hope to steal the boat and cargo, and sell ’em 
to the highest bidder. 

“The engineer, who is sort of a decent fel- 
low in spite of his looks, says he didn’t dare 
tell the captain, because he knew the other was 
a brave man and would try to down the ras- 
cals ; shots would be fired and the chances were 
the boat must be blown up. He saw the 
chance to communicate the intelligence to an 
Irish gentleman, and did so, having confidence 


208 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


ill me executive ability to master the problem 
and down the rascals in their game.” 

Hurrah ! ” says John, under his breath ; he 
too has much confidence in the other, for at 
times in the past he has seen Corney perform 
prodigies of valor, and accomplish wonderful 
tasks. 

“As I said before. Colonel, not content with 
hearing the story, I went to see for myself ; I 
heard the fellows conversing in low tones and 
gathered enough to tell me it was all true as 
gospel. 

“ I made out there were four of them ; with 
the monkey faced fireman this made five in all, 
and I suppose a desperate crowd.” 

“The question which comes up is how we 
can best get the mastery over the rascals. We 
could easily shoot them down, but, as you 
say, such a thing would be dangerous, 
and might result in our being blow to atoms, 
either through accident or design.” 

“We agree on that. Colonel,” assents 
Corney. 

“Well, what plan haveyou in view.” 

“Me dearboy, you and I must take this mat- 
ter in charge; we can manage these bogtrot- 
ters, once we set our minds to it, and have 
them all tied up, neck and crop before half an 
hour goes by.” 

Without taking the Turk into the game? ” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


209 


“We don’t need Inm. He would do some- 
thing to spoil the whole business. Let him 
pass. Do ye stand by me, Colonel, and I give 
ye me word we’ll have the lot bagged inside of 
twenty minutes.” 

“You know 3^ou can count on me to the 
death,” replies the American, steadily. 

“Enough. Listen, now, and I’ll give 3^e a 
sketch of me plan, and I think 3^e’ll agree with 
me that its a neat one, too, considering the 
ugly circumstances of the case.” 

So the two passengers on board the queer 
little powder steamer lay their heads together 
and arrange plans for saving the boat and 
their own lives. 


14 


CHAPTER VII. 


SISTER THERESE SEES HER DUTY PLAINLY. 

They soon decide upon the best policy to be 
pursued under the existing circumstances, 
which are peculiar, to say the least. It requires 
some dexterity to manage the business so as 
to unite safety with daring. 

Corney unveils his plan, and thecolonel gives 
a few suggestions, not important in their way, 
but adding a good deal to the general 
idea. 

It is resolved that, as the danger is imminent 
and gives promise of growing stronger with 
each passing minute, there can be no better 
time than the present for setting to work. 

First of all they make sure that the revolvers 
they carry are in working order, for although 
it is their expectation and hope to manage the 
business without recourse to firearm s still it is 
policy on their part to be prepared for the 
worst. 


210 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


211 


Should a situation arise where it must either 
be death through the torch being applied to the 
powder stored on board, or shooting down one 
of the miscreants, neither of our friends are the 
ones to hesitate. 

In addition Corney has a pocket hunting 
knife, with a blade nearly six inches long. 
This he examines in the darkness, to make 
sure that it is in good working order. 

‘‘Are ye ready? ” he asks, and, upon receiv- 
ing a low affirmative, leads the way. 

As he has been over the ground once already, 
it is fitting that Corney should take the 
initiative in this business, nor does the 
American feel at all slighted in having to 
change places and serve under such a captain. 

The pilot has not noticed them, or at least 
pays no attention as they pass his door and 
make their way toward the stairs that, ladder 
like, lead to the lower regions of the ancient 
boat. So far as O’Shea knows, this man as 
well as the engineer is faithful to the old 
Turkish commander, so that they have noth- 
ing to dread from this source unless the fel- 
low’s fears drive him to abandon the powder 
boat and plunge into the cold waters of the 
Danube. 

Their first object is to secure the fireman. 
His duties are light, and can really be attended 
to by the engineer. At any rate he must be 


212 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


managed, so as to keep him from giving the 
alarm. 

When they reach the engine room the3" find 
the fireman bending over and putting coal 
carefully into the fire. This is fortunate, as it 
enables our friends to move upon him unseen. 
In passing the startled engineer, Corney la3"S 
a finger on his lips to indicate silence, and the 
man utters no sound, but watches them with 
deep interest. 

The fireman feels a tap on his shoulder, 
turns around and is immediately seized. One 
hand clutches his arm, while that of Corney 
fastens upon his neck with the fury of a beast. 
Two heavy revolvers look him in the e3^es, 
and his monkey face shows all the indications 
of extreme terror. 

“ Speak a word above a whisper, and by the 
powers 3^e’re a dead man,” hisses Corney in 
his ear, and the colonel smiles grimly to see 
what a poor chance the wretched stoker has 
of making even a gurgling sound, with that 
savage clutch upon his throat. 

His supply of air being shut off, he gives 
signs of a collapse almost immediately; his 
face cannot turn black, for it is already as 
near that color as coal can make it, but his 
eyes roll and he trembles as tfiough seized with 
the ague. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


213 


Presently our friends have a dead weight 
on their hands, for the fellow no longer retains 
the power of holding himself erect. 

“Lay him over, Corney, and get out the 
cord,” says the colonel, quietly. 

It takes them just about a minute to accom- 
plish this. The stoker of the steamboat is 
fastened hand and foot, so that they have 
apparently nothing further to fear from him. 

“Forward ! ” 

The game is but begun ; much remains to 
be accomplished ere they can call themselves 
secure. 

So they advance toward the hold, where the 
four conspiritors lie concealed. 

The colonel’s part will then come into play. 
He is, strange to say, one of the few foreigners 
who have fully mastered the Russian lan- 
guage, which he speaks like a native. 

Corney prods him in the ribs. 

“Listen!” he whispers, and the colonel, 
being possessed of good ears, hears low voices 
just beyond the hatch that lies before them. 

He even catches the muttered words and 
knows that those below are becoming 
impatient for the signal to come out ; the air 
is bad and they want drink; will the chief con- 
spirator, who of course is none other than the 
fireman, ever give the signal ? 


214 


THE COJ.ONEL BY BREVET. 


The colonel places Corney, and then taps 
upon the hatch; all sounds below cease, as 
though the men have heard the noise and 
wonder what it signifies. He repeats it, this 
time a little heavier than before. , 

At the same time he bends down and says: 

“Below there! 

As he speaks in the Russian tongue, the 
others of course answer gladly; they do not 
know there is a soul onboard who can address 
them in their own language but the stoker. 

“ I want one man above here ; one only. Let 
him come quietly and say nothing.’’ 

This sounds like business, and gladly the 
four dirty rascals below decks proceed to 
obey. There is some little trouble experienced 
in selecting the proper person to go on deck ; 
they can be heard squabbling below. The 
colonel knocks. 

“Silence, 3^ou dogs!” he growls, and the 
contention ceases as if by magic. 

Then he takes another step. 

“Let Ivan come up.” 

It is not by chance alone that he selects 
this name, common as it may be in Russia. 
Corney has told him that he heard one of the 
men in the hold call a companion thus. 

At any rate it settles the matter below. The 
hatch is softl^^ raised. All is darkness around, 
but the colonel’s ears serve him. He can just 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


215 


barely distingtiisb the figure that comes crawl- 
ing out of the opening, and lowers the hatch 
behind him, thus, with his own hand, cutting 
off all hope of rescue on the part of his com- 
rades. 

Where are you, Alexis ? he asks. 

‘‘This way, Ivan,’’ comes the repl^^, in a 
whisper that effectually^ disguises the voice. 

The dark figure begins to move forward ; no 
doubt the man believes he has been selected to 
carry out a particularly dangerous part of the 
scheme, and feels highly elated at the honor 
conferred. 

This is but a fleeting emotion that soon 
turns into dismay. He has gone about a 
dozen feet, following the encouraging whisper 
of the supposed Alexis ahead, when he runs 
slap into something that seems to be wonder- 
fully alive; something that fastens onto his 
throat with the fury that characterizes the 
throttling tiger as he leaps upon his prey. 

In vain the desperate Russian endeavors to 
shake himself loose; it is Corney who has him 
in his clutfch, Corney who bears him upon his 
back, and Corney who speedily reduces him to 
a state of “innocuous desuetude.’^ 

When this has been accomplished, the Irish 
gladiator arises, panting from his exertions, 
and the colonel takes a hand in the game 
again, drawing out a second edition of the 


216 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


cord, and with it binding the senseless man 
fore and aft. 

“Well done, old man,’’ he breathes in the ear 
of the Irishman, when his job is completed, 
“and now for Number Three.” 

“I’m in elegant sliape, me dear boy. Bring 
on the bloody spalpeens, a dozen if ye like. I’ll 
give ’em a taste of the cider mill in me hands, 
which were just made for compressing throats, 
I reckon.” 

“Well, here goes.” 

With that the colonel b3^ brevet heads 
again for the hatch to draw out another man. 
If they can make a success, of this it will 
reduce matters to a minimum, and give them 
onl^^ a couple to finish. 

He gives the fatal rap, and calls in Rus- 
sian : 

“Below there!” 

“Yes, Captain,” comes the reply. 

“I want one more man to make certain. 
Let the strongest come up. Softly now, and 
the boat is ours.” 

This time there is no dispute. 

“That means you, Peterhoff,” sounds below, 
as the hatch is g’ently raised, and it is evident 
that this man’s superior qualities with regard 
to strength are known and recognized by his 
companions. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


217 


Tlie new Yictim crawls otit from the hold, 
and the colonel can hear him sniffing the brac- 
ing air as though he is extremely glad to be 
free from the confined space below. 

Perhaps Peterhoff also feels a sort of satis- 
faction at being chosen to take a hand in seiz- 
ing the boat. Such men would not hesitate 
about doing murder to accomplish their pur- 
pose, or at least toss the master of the little 
steamboat and his fellows over into the river 
with no compunction of conscience. 

He does just what they desire, and follows 
in the footsteps of his predecessor, the man 
who at this moment lies there helpless. Corney 
crouches in waiting, only anxious to repeat his 
work which met with so great a measure of 
success before. 

“Crouch down, Peterhoff; keep silent, on 
your life! comes in a whisper from thecrouch- 
ing figure he has followed, and as the man 
obeys he too finds himself in the grasp of an 
octopus, for the Irishman launches upon him 
with the fury of a tornado. 

Peterhoff struggles like a demon, and finding 
his manner of speech gone, takes to pounding 
the deck with his heels, as though he hopes by 
that means he may alarm his companions and 
bring them to his rescue. 

It is a delusion and a snare, this hope of his, 
for the colonel immediately throws himself 


218 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Upon the lower extremities and stops their 
work, while Cornej, attending strictl3"to busi- 
ness above, speedily reduces Peterhoff to a 
state where he is no longer dangerous. 

The colonel ties him also, and his ally 
examines the fellow previously captured, to 
make sure that he has not come to his senses, 
so that he may give them trouble later on. 

‘‘Once more to the breach!” says the inde- 
fatigable American, slapping Corney on the 
back. 

“And cry Heaven for Ireland, Harry and St. 
Patrick,” echoes the other aptly. 

They advance. 

When half way to the hatch there suddenly 
breaks out upon the stillness of the night a 
most terrific shouting. It is in Russian, too ; 
amid fearful oaths someone can be heard call- 
ing upon his companions to sally forth and 
take the steamboat; treachery has undone 
them, shouts this worthy. 

They are not at all in doubt as to the iden- 
tity of the party who thus bellows out so 
ferociously. It is the fireman, Alexis, he to 
whom the quartette of rascals look as a 
leader. 

They left him bound in the coal pit, but it is 
evident that he has since come to his senses, 
and shouts aloud, filled with the hope that it 
is not yet too late to save the day. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


219 


This puts an end to the junketing of our two 
friends; their picnic^is done. A change must 
be made in the programme now. 

Of course the racket reaches the ears of the 
two men below. They have kept the hatch 
raised a trifle, the better to hear the p£ean of 
victory that is to ring forth when Alexis and 
his followers find themselves in possession of 
the powder boat. 

As the colonel and Corney advance they hear 
these men discussing the circumstances in 
excited tones. Plainly they have recognized 
the voice of their leader, but do not so cjuickly 
get on to the fact that he wants their help; 
the first thought being that he is attacking 
the enemy, and shouts to alarm them. 

As they grasp the idea that he wants their 
assistance, the hatch is tossed hastilj^ back, 
and with muttered Russian oaths the two 
proceed to scramble up from the darkness 
below, seeing nothing, heedingnothing but the 
voice that still calls them byname and fills the 
whole boat with its wild bellowing. 

‘‘Take the one on the right. Colonel. 

Even while thus speaking the Irish tornado 
launches forward, and falls upon his man with 
astonishing vigor. Nor is John Paul one whit 
behind him in making his attack. He knows 
the success of their plans depends upon these 


220 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


men being vanquished, and does not mean to 
let anything stand in his way. 

Corney is a little unfortunate in one respect. 
He makes such a furious onslaught upon the 
man he has picked out, that the fellow is 
unable to hold his own, and as a consequence 
the two, wrapped in each others’ arms go 
tumbling into the hold. 

The colonel makes short work of his man, 
for his fingers are almost as powerful as steel 
springs, and the fellow quickly gives up. His 
captor proceeds to bind him in a rough but 
effective manner, and then thinks of his com- 
panion. 

He bends over the open hatch ; all is dark- 
ness below. Listening he hears a dull sound 
as of a blow. 

‘‘ Bite a gentleman in the arm, will ye ! Take 
that and that, ye scoundrel. Sure it’s a 
yard arm ye’ll be decorating some day before 
long. Try to stick me with a knife, will ye? 
Them’s my compliments, and much good may 
they do ye.” 

The sound of blows continues, although John 
Paul can no longer hear the groans that indi- 
cate sensibility on the part of the ruffian. 

He therefore strikes a match and holds it 
below, to ga/.e upon a peculiar sight indeed. 
There is Corney, astride his enem3q and 
engaged in beaming a tattoo upon the fellow’s 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


221 


face. He is not naturally a cruel or vindictive 
man, but this rascal has not only attempted 
to use a knife upon him since the fall, but has 
also set his teeth in Corney’s arm so that the 
latter feels impelled to put him in a condition 
where he can do no more damage. 

“Hold on, my dear fellow, don’t kill him. 
You have already redueed him to a state 
equivalent to non compos mentis^ and here’s 
the cord you want to fasten his arms with.” 

So saying the colonel drops the article men- 
tioned into Corney’s hand. 

“ Blow out the match ; the saints be praised, 
but the hold is full of powder ! Careful, Colonel 
dear, or we are on the road to paradise!” 
groans Corney, his eyes glued with something 
like horror upon the burning match. 

John quietly but carefully extinguishes the 
fire, and is surprised to find his own hand 
trembling as he does so. It is lucky the Irish- 
man has thought of the powder in time. One 
spark will be enough to do the business and 
send them all to eternity. 

“Bring the fellow up if you can; if not let 
him lie where he is,” he says. 

Corney is stoutly built, with the power of 
an ox in his shoulders. He chooses to look 
upon the words of his companion as a dare, 
and consequently pushes his man up through 
the hatch, where John can fasten upon him 


222 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


and drag him off, to be laid beside the others. 

It is now time for the heroic men to shake 
hands and congratulate each other upon the 
measure of' success that has befallen them, 
which they do with the greatest of pleasure. 

“By the powers, do ye notice something? 
asks the sultan’s ambassador suddenly. 

“The wheel has stopped,” returns John, 
paying heed to this fact for the first time. 

“And we float with the current.” 

“ Perhaps the shouts of Alexis have frightened 
the engineer and pilot, who have gone over- 
board,” suggests the colonel. 

“What have we here, bedad ? ” 

The darkness around them is suddenly dis- 
pelled, as a man with a lantern comes into 
view, a lantern that hangs by his girdle, for 
both hands are occupied in clutching a brace 
of revolvers, which he holds in front of him. 

It is the Turk, and a ferocious looking cus- 
tomer he appears just at this moment. Back 
of him can be seen a couple of other figures, 
skulking along in a half terrified way — 
undoubtedly his men, the engineer and pilot. 

Upon seeing him Colonel Paul calls aloud : 

“ Mustapha Ali, do not fire. We have secured 
the rascals, one and all. You are a brave man, 
but we have saved you the trouble.” 

And Mustapha Ali, when he advances and 
looks upon the four bound conspirators, feels 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


223 


warmly toward these passengers who came 
aboard the powder boat without any invita- 
tion from him. He gravely takes their hands 
and expresses his gratitude in terms such as 
only an Oriental can use. 

Not yet satisfied, he has the raving stoker 
hauled beside his fellows, and the whole of 
them bound with ropes so stout and thick 
that there is no chance of any one getting 
away. 

Thus it begins to look as though the danger 
is of the past — that the powder boat can now 
continue on her voyage down the river. 

The Turkish commander is profuse in his 
expressions of gratitude, and swears by Allah 
and all the prophets that he will return the 
favor if he lives to finish his cruise. 

The pilot and engineer resume their places, 
and once more the nondescript little craft 
moves down the river with good speed. 

Fearing lest the ladies may feel alarmed on 
account of the racket kept up' by the stoker, 
John now enters the cabin and reassures them. 
The English girl, of course, is curious to hear 
the whole story, which he gives as briefly as 
possible, but she draws her own conclusions 
and seizes the first opportunity to ask the 
Turk about it, learning then the heroism John 
and his friend have shown in saving the boat. 

It may be safely set down that Lady Jeanie 


224 


THE COLONEI. BY BREVET. 


does not allow the Ameriean^s reputation to 
be lowered by this performanee; indeed, it 
mounts steadily upward within her mind 
until she is seriously alarmed lest she may have 
given love where "only friendship is returned. 
Eyes are upon her that read all this, and Sister 
Therese smiles as she says to herself: 

“It is sad, but my duty lies before me. She 
shall not suffer as I have done; she must be 
warned in time, even if I am forced to disclose 
my dreadful secret.’’ 



CHAPTER VIII. 


AM JOHN PAULAS WIFEI’^ 

Although heaven has been kind to our 
friends and saved them from a double danger 
on this night, Colonel Paul is too shrewd a 
man to believe that this ends their troubles. 

He would rather be on drjriand than aboard 
the powder boat, for he feels that it is a des- 
perate mission the Turk has engaged in, with 
the chances of disaster strongly against him. 

Alone, John would not have minded the risk, 
but it gives him a chill to think of Ladj^Jeanie 
being in such peril. For her sake he intends 
leaving the queer craft at the first possible 
hour, and continuing the journey by land. 

What he especially fears is that the Russians 
may learn of the steamboat’s coming, and lie 
in wait for them, perhaps lay a trap to capture 
or destroy them. 

He takes advantage of an opportunity to 
tell Corney what he thinks, and lay the case 
before him. 

15 


22 § 


226 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


^‘IVe been watching the Tnrk plainly, and 
have about made up my mind that he’s a des- 
perate man, sworn to bring his load through 
in safety, or, if it comes to the worst, destroy 
the boat.” . 

Confound the rascal!” says O’Shea, vehe- 
mently, “he has the look of a bad man, and 
sure, I can aisily believe what ye say to be 
true.” 

“Then agree with me in this respect. One 
good turn deserves another, doesn’t it? ” 

“Decidedly so.” 

“I helped keep this boat from falling into the 
hands of the sultan’s enemies.; it doesn’t mat- 
ter who those chaps are, they were against your 
master.” 

“True, every word of it,” returns Corney. 

“ Before morning I may have to call upon 
you to assist me in allowing the boat to fall 
into the hands of the Russians.” 

“Great Caesar! I can’t do that, Colonel, 
dear, I’m sworn to the service of the sultan! ”■ 
ejaculates the man of nerve and brawn, aghast 
at the cool proposition of the Yankee. 

Colonel Paul shows no signs of beating a 
retreat, but presses the subject further. 

“You will do it when you hear me out, my 
dear fellow. Listen. I am positive that some 
effort will be made to capture this boat; it is 
impossible that such a rich prize should steam 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


227 


past the Muscovite works and they not know 
its character. Under such circumstances I am 
also sure that this Turk is prepared to blow 
the boat and every soul on board into smither- 
eens the minute he believes all is lost.” 

‘‘Jupiter Pluvius ! ” gasps Corney. 

“Am I stretching it to gain a point?” 
demands John. 

“No, no, yeTe all right. Colonel. IT back 
your good sense every time. But it takes me 
breath away entirely, so it does.” 

“Well, granted, then, that this is the case, 
we must keep a close watch on the Turk, and 
if he shows any signs of treachery, jump 

“ Good. Who takes the first watch ? ” says 
O’Shea. 

“You may. If I sleep wake me up in two 
hours. Remember, by all means don’t let him 
know you are watching. At the first sign of 
danger give me a signal.” 

It is well that they should have this under- 
standing, for an emergency may arise when 
they will need to act hastily, and at such a time 
there is no opportunity for consideration. A 
plan is better to have in hand. 

Colonel Paul makes the ladies as comfortable 
as their accommodations and the limited sup- 
ply of rugs will allow. Lady Jeanie thanks 


228 ' 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


him, but the look from her glorious eyes is 
worth more to John than all else. 

He treasures it above everything; it brings a 
sudden rush of hope, and he even dares, unseen 
by anyone else, as he foolishly believes, to raise 
her hand hastily to his lips. How that kiss 
burns her hand ! She turns her head away to 
hide the furious blushes that chase each other 
in waves over face and neck, betra^dng the 
secret of her girlish heart. 

Something like a groan conies from the spot 
where Sister Therese is settled; Ladyjeanie 
bends over and anxiously inquires whether she 
is in pain, but receives an assuring word that 
all is well. 

Colonel Paul has heard the sound also as he 
turns away, and is both startled and puzzled 
by it, but does not stop to investigate. Again 
he experiences that strange feeling with regard 
to Sister Therese, but, as is natural, his 
thoughts turn to a more pleasant subject — 
Jeanie, and, like all lovers, he fairly gloats over 
the discovery he has made, whispers to him- 
self “ Heavens ! she really loves me; what j 03^ 
that brings,^’ and keeps thinking of this every 
little while. 

Then he drops asleep, and knows nothing 
until Corney arouses him, whispering some- 
thing in his ear that causes John’s eyes to fly 
wide open. What is it the Itdshman says : 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


229 


afraid there’s danger ahead, Colonel, 
dear. The old Turk is very uneasy ; he keeps 
coining in and going out. If ye listen 3^e’ll see 
the boat is moving very slowly^. It’s my 
opinion we must be passing some Russian 
water batteries, and ever3mioment I expect to 
hear a roar and have a shot strike the bloody 
old d3mamite. Bad cess to it, I say, and our 
luck in being on board such a devil’s craft.” 

Colonel Paul pa3^s little heed to the mutter- 
ing of the Irishman, who has a faculty of 
grumbling when things do not go to suit 
him. 

“This must be looked into. The danger I 
spoke of is real, not imaginary,” and with this 
John rises to his feet to look around. 

Sure enough, Mustapha Ali is no longer in 
the cabin ; he must be on deck, perhaps con- 
sulting the pilot or looking for danger. It may 
even be that he is down below, examining the 
magazine with a view to exploding the cargo 
of the powder boat when the necessity arises. 

At any rate. Colonel Paul believes the man 
needs watching, and he is the one to do it. 

“Remain here, Corney, and keep 3^our e3"es 
open. If you hear me call, come out, for I may 
need help. Otherwise, remain here and watch 
the Turk if he enters.” 

John fears the case will be just what he 
speaks of; imagination pla3^s a very small 


230 


THE COLONEL BY BREYEl^. 


part in it. He hopes for the best — ^that morn- 
ing may find them still safe, and in the land of 
the liYing. 

One thing he is bound to do — leave the 
powder boat at the very first opportunity. 
The danger is too great and the gain too 
small, now that they have really escaped the 
marauders who stopped the train on the 
Roumanian border. 

Passing out of the cabin he reaches the deck. 
Darkness continues to envelope the scene, 
and yet when one’s eyes grow accustomed to 
^ it they can see many things. 

The shore is close at hand ; indeed, John is 
startled to note how very near it seems. He 
can see the bank towering above him a dozen 
feet or so, and somehow the recollection of 
Corney’s story with regard to how Hobart 
Pasha ran the batteries of the Russians in the 
lower Danube conies into his mind. Is that 
what Mustapha Ali is doing at this present 
moment? 

Colonel Paul has a right to be alarmed; he 
remembers the precious life on board the boat 
— more precious to him now than he had ever 
believed a woman could be. Then there is 
taken into consideration the extremely 
dangerous cargo with which the strange little 
steamer is loaded. If, as the Irishman has 
declared, she carries dynamite besides the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


231 


powder, it will require only one cannon ball 
in the right quarter to send every soul on 
board into eternit3q and the thing will happen 
so quickly that no one may even say Jack 
Robinson. 

He endeavors to see the Turk, the daring 
man who thus risks his life in the endeavor to 
do his country a service. 

There is no sign of a light around, that in 
the cabin being turned low, and the windows 
screened. Carried on with the current the 
little steamer moves at a rate of about five 
miles an hour. No smoke issues from her fun- 
nel ; all is as quiet as death save the lapping 
of water against her sides. 

By this time John has located the Turk ; he 
is standing at the side of the boat,, where he 
can eagerly scan the shore. It is evident that 
the crisis in his venture has arrived, which fact 
explains his nervousness, and his remaining 
awake all night. 

Softly John advances. 

He does not expect to throw himself upon 
the Turk only in case of extreme necessity. To 
save all their lives he may have to sacrifice the 
reckless blockade runner. 

One thing he is determined upon; at all 
events, cost what it will, this madman shall 
not be allowed to accomplish his purpose. 

So John takes up a position where he can 


232 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


intercept the Turk, should he make a dash for 
the hold, where, no doubt, he has a train laid, 
and everything in readiness to destroy the 
boat rather than to allow her to fall into the 
enemy’s hands. 

Seconds glide into minutes, and a dreadful 
suspense seems to hang over them. 

Listening, the colonel hears a sound he 
knows full well; it is the cry of a Russian 
guard pacing his beat — a cry that comes over 
the ramparts. Then they are passing the 
forts. Surely they must be discovered ; 
Russian sentries have sharp eyes, and a boat 
can hardly even float down the river without 
showing some signs of her presence. 

Looking upward John has a glimpse of what 
appears to be a wall, with the muzzle of a 
large gun projecting from it, plainly outlined 
in silhouette against the background of the 
sky. 

All of which proves very exciting to the 
colonel, and keeps him wide awake, it ma3" be 
set down as assured. He is not apt to feel 
sleepy when there is a magazine under him, 
and danger of having it exploded. 

When the event occurs which John has been 
expecting, it takes place with a sudden whirl. 
The boat has been swinging along with the cur- 
rent for some time, and perhaps the Turkish 
captain even has hopes that he is leaving the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


23S 


forts belimd, when without warning her prog- 
ress is stayed. 

Those on board feel that some obstacle in 
the river has halted the steamboat, and John 
instantly guesses the nature of it. Learning 
by experience, the Russians have stretched 
ropes or chains from the shore to some buoy 
anchored out in The stream, or a rock that 
may lie on the other side of the channel. 

This, then, will block their little game, 
unless there is some way of cutting the ropes. 

The Turk utters a low cry; he starts for the 
bow of the boat, perhaps with some such 
intention, but is given no opportunity to carry 
it out. 

As though the boat striking against the 
cable is a signal to those on shore, lights 
immediately flash up ; fires spring into existence, 
possibly fed with petroleum, and hoarse 
shouts break the silence of the night. 

In a minute all is great confusion. The boat 
swings around sideways to the current, and 
lies idh" against the cables. 

Mustapha Ali no longer attempts to reach 
the bow; he knows the enterprise is a failure 
now, and that ruin stares him in the face. 

Human figures appear on the rocks above as 
though about to drop upon the deck; the^" are 
soldiers, Russian soldiers, and in another 


234 


THE COLONEL BY BREVEa>. 


minute the steamboat with her precious cargo 
must fall into the hands of the Muscovites. 

The scene at just this moment is one Colonel 
Paul will never forget ; the glare of the fires 
lights up every inch of deck ; he can see the 
swarm of soldiers about to board them, and 
most prominent of all is the figure of the Turk 
upon the forward deck bowing his head once, 
twice, thrice in the direction of Mecca, as 
though giving his soul in charge of the Prophet 
ere ending his life. 

As the shouts burst into a fierce volume of 
sound, and men begin to drop upon the boat, 
the Turk whirls and rushes for the hold. Per- 
haps his intention is suspected by some of the 
Russians, for they run after him; but if the 
affair is to be left to them, the boat is doomed, 
as they can never overtake Mustapha Ali, 
bent upon his mission of suicide and murder. 

Thank Heaven, a colonel by the grace of the 
czar stands in the way, and the Turk will find 
his path blocked, his scheme undone. 

John rises before him like a nightmare. He 
notes that the Turk carries aknife in his hand, 
a naked blade that looks dangerous, but such 
a trifle does not deter him. 

They come together; the weapon is wrenched 
from the Turk’s hand, and thrown aside. 
How desperately he struggles; but it is of no 


'j'HE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


235 


avail. As well might he endeavor to wrestle 
with a hurricane. 

Colonel Paul has his arms around the Turk 
now ; the fellow is strong by nature, and just 
at present his frenzied desire to blow up the 
powder boat makes him a foe to be dreaded ; 
but the arms of the American crush him as 
might the powerful folds of an anaconda; he 
gasps for breath ; his struggles, unavailing as 
they are, grow more and more feeble. 

Finally John gives him a trip, and down 
they go together, with the Turk underneath. 

At this moment lights flash upon the scene, 
and John finds himself roughly seized. He 
calls out in the Russian tongue, announcing 
his name and rank ; a heavy voice answers 
him, and an ofiScer with a pair of luxuriant 
side whiskers rushes up. 

Who speaks that name? Is it my friend 
Colonel John Paul indeed? Thank Heaven! 
you were not murdered in cold blood ! cries 
this individual, as he seizes John^s hand in a 
warm clasp, and wrings it heartily. 

Gourka I says the American. 

Then he knows they are safe, for this 
intrepid officer, the pride of the Muscovite 
cavalry, is his personal friend ; they have slept 
under the same blanket, eaten off the same 
platter, and shared danger in common. This 
always brings daring souls together; Gourka 


236 THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

declares he owes his life to the intrepidity of 
his Yankee friend. 

The raving Turk is soon made a prisoner. 
Men also capture the pilot and engineer. 
Corney has secured the former to make sure 
that he would not accomplish the same thing 
in which the captain of the boat was baffled. 

Everything seems secure, and at last Colonel 
John takes a breath of relief, such as has not 
fallen to his lot these many hours. The\^ do 
not care to remain on board the powder boat 
longer, for there is danger in every minute 
spent upon her decks ; hence, the whole party 
go ashore. 

General Gourka is courteous ; how can he 
be otherwise after being introduced to the 
ladies, and having a glimpse of Lady Jeanie’s 
face? He offers all that is at his disposal, and 
they are soon well taken care of. 

Corney, as the friend of Colonel Paul, is 
allowed to go his way, and no one questions 
him. These two who have been drawn 
together b3^ the trials and dangers of the past, 
shake hands with some solemnity, and eye 
looks into eye. 

“Corney, God bless you, old man, if the 
fortune of war throws us together again. I’ll 
be glad to see you,” says John, quietly. 

“I echo that remark. Colonel, dear. Heaven 
bless ye, and favor your interests,” with which 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


237 


rather ambiguous remark the O’Shea wrings 
his hand, dashes a tear from his cheek, turns, 
vaults upon the back of the Cossack pony 
placed at his disposal by Gourka’s orders, and 
rushes away. 

Their next meeting may be even stranger 
than the one which brought about such singu- 
lar results. Odd things happen at times, and 
the fortune of war brings people together 
under circumstances that would hardly be 
believed possible. 

When the ladies appear, the man who is a 
colonel b3" the grace of the czar shows them 
everj^ attention in his power. They have had 
breakfast, and a very fair one, considering the 
time and place. 

Here their paths divide. Duty calls John 
Paul one way, while Lady Jeanie must go 
another. They come together to say farewell ; 
a carriage and horses are waiting for the two 
Sisters. 

John takes Lady Jeanie’s hand; for the 
moment they are alone. He speaks low words 
that cause the color to mount into her face; 
she murmurs a repl3^, but his quick ear catches 
it. Before she can do aught to restrain him, 
he has suddenly clasped her in his arms, looked 
into the depths of her liquid eyes, and almost 
reverently kissed her. Then he releases the 
woman he loves, and, as he turns away, says : 


238 


THE COLONEL, BY BREVET, 


^‘Please God, Jeanie Stockton, we will meet 
again. Pray for me; I shall keep you ever in 
my mind, and some day I hope to call you my 
own sweet wife. Good-bye, my love.” 

He walks away, followed by her admiring 
eyes, and enters the tent of the cavalry chief- 
tain whose name inspires the same terror 
among his foes that Sheridan’s did during the 
Rebellion. 

The two wearers of the Red Cross enter the 
carriage and are driven away. One of them 
sobs under her veil, the other seems uneasy 
and watches Lady Jeanie. At last she throws 
baek the veil that has so closely eovered her 
faee, revealing delicate, refined, and onee very 
handsome features, now marked with melan- 
eholy. 

“ My dearest girl, this has reaehed a point 
where I feel that I must interfere. I have hoped 
to avoid exposing my secret, but as I love you 
and would save you from a broken heart, I 
must tell you all. Once I loved and trusted ; I 
gave my life into the keeping of a man whom 
I believed to be the soul of honor. The awak- 
ening came; I found him a villain, a wolf in 
sheep’s elothing. I left him forever, and 
became — a nun, because my poor heart eould 
never live for itself again. It is my duty to 
warn you now, so that you maybe saved from 
a like fate.” 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


239 


says Jeanie, smiling through her 
tears, “ Colonel John Paul is a brave man, the 
soul of honor.’’ 

^‘So I thought my husband, only to find him 
dross.” 

‘^But, because your marriage turned out 
unhappily, Therese, would you preach against 
it in every one ? ” 

‘‘No, but I plead with you to give up this 
man.” 

“No, no, I cannot; I love him so,” she cries. 

“Unhappy girl, must I, then, tell you all? 
Look at me, Jeanie. I am J ohn Paul’s wife ! ” 

A low shriek, and the young girl has fainted 
dead away. 







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BOOK THREE. 

Over the Balkans with Gourka. 


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CHAPTER L 


THE ASSAULT ON THE REDOUBT BEFORE 
PLEVNA. 

When Lady Jeanie is gone Colonel Paul 
experiences a sensation that is new to him. 
He has lived to be thirty-five without ever 
knowing what it is to be in love, and hence it 
comes all the harder with him now. 

She is no ordinary girl ; her rare qualities of 
attraction win her hosts of friends, and admir- 
ers by the dozen. John feels a little uneasy 
when he remembers the Russian count and the 
English lord. Will they give the girl more 
trouble ? 

He is sincere in his hope that these two 
worthies may have received their quietus in 
the engagement at the Roumanian village. 
There seems to be some chance of this, for the 
mob of drunken soldiers had evidently 
attacked them at the time our friends passed 
down the river, and the result may have been 
disastrous to the pair of high-born knaves. 

24 ? 


244 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


At any rate he earnestly hopes the3^ have 
profited by the storm that it is believed was of 
their raising. 

Gradually Colonel Paul banishes these dis- 
turbing elements from his mind, and applies 
himself to the business in hand. He has sent a 
courier to St. Petersburg with the general out- 
line of the result of his conference in Vienna. 
Now that he is inside the Russian lines he can 
telegraph freelj^ and a full account of his work 
is made out for the especial attention of the 
great ruler of all the Russias. 

Nothing is too good for an American among 
the Russians. They look with distrust upon 
ail other foreigners, for old sores are not easily 
healed, and at different times Russia has 
engaged in a death grapple with England, 
France, and even the German confederation. 
With the United States there has never been 
serious trouble, and Alaska seems to make us 
neighbors. 

John Paul has never experienced aught but 
the utmost kindness at the hands of the Rus- 
sians, and he is in full s^anpathy with their 
cause in this war — the oppression of Christians 
by the Turks in the northern provinces of 
Turkey. 

Of course, back of this there is in all proba- 
bility the long cherished desire of the Russians 
to gobble up Constantinople, as they will 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 245 

never be satisfied tintil they have an opening 
to the Mediterranean. 

At this time the war has been carried on 
with extraordinary fierceness. The Russians 
are determined, and have overwhelming num- 
bers on the field. On the other hand, the Turks 
fight upon their own ground, and are well 
armed. Then again, thej- go into battle with 
that strange, fatuous notion which inspires 
Mohammedans the world over — that to die at 
the hands of a foe to the Moslem religion is to 
receive immediate entrance into paradise along 
with the Prophet. 

The victorious march of the Russian host 
has received a check. Brave Osman Pasha 
with his army has taken up a stand on the 
hills. Ple*ma brings the Russians to a halt; 
at Plevna they lose valuable weeks of time, so 
that winter months set in and find them still 
held in check. 

Vain are the desperate assaults ; the Turks 
are possessed of indomitable courage; they 
fight like demons all the while, contesting 
every step. If a redout is taken, they retire to 
another, and the victory has cost the Russians 
much more than it is worth. 

Plevna and Osman Pasha stand like a rock 
between the legions of the czar and Constan- 
tinople. Months pass with the situation 
unchanged, and the Russians have apparently' 


246 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


exhausted every device by means of which they 
could hope to acconijolish their ends. 

One thing remains. 

Starvation ! 

Unfortunately the valor of the Turks is not 
equaled by their promptness at grasping a 
situation and the policy of delay is fatal to 
their progress as a nation. 

During the last month of the siege of Plevna, 
there are stores not far away that would sup- 
ply the Turkish force for many weeks ; there 
are army corps lying idle here and there, and 
yet the powers that be in Constantinople, 
resting in luxury and believing England will 
soon step in and check the advance of the 
Russians, do nothing. Osman is left to meet 
the ferocious assaults of the enemy, and his 
men rapidly reaching the starvation line; 
Cossack and Bashi-Bazouk grapple in a 
struggle to the death, and in the city peace 
reigns and contentment. 

This indolence and sluggishness has always 
been the curse of Turkish prosperity. It can- 
not be better illustrated than by an old story 
which plainly shows the difference in the 
organization of the rival armies. 

At one time some officers were boasting of 
the remarkable steadiness with which their 
men performed their duties ; it was machine 
work of the most approved order. To illus- 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


247 


trate it a Russian captain calls a soldier to 
him. 

“Ivan, take this rouble, proceed to the 
tobacco shop of Abdallah Effendi, purchase me 
a bag of tobacco such as I generally use. 
Report here.’^ 

The soldier accepts the coin, salutes, turns 
on his heel and leaves the room, after which 
the officer takes out his watch. 

“Now, to prove to you, gentlemen, what a 
perfect our organization has reached, I shall 
time Ivan’s movements with the clock, and 
you shall see how closely I strike it.” 

So he goes on with his eyes half closed : 

“Ivan has left the house; he walks down 
the street as a soldier should, turning aside for 
nothing; now he reaches the corner; in front 
of the bazar an acquaintance would stop him ; 
Ivan waves his hand to indicate that he is on 
dut3^ I see him turn into the tobacconist’s; 
Abdallah Effendi guesses what he seeks; he 
hands over the change for the rouble and 
passes a word with him. Now Ivan leaves 
the shop; he stops three seconds at the door 
of the Greek church to cross himself Now he 
walks along the street, turns the corner, 
advances to the house, enters the door. 

“Ivan!” raising his voice with the last 
word. 

“Here!” 


248 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


The door opens, the soldier enters, a pack- 
age of tobacco in one hand and the change in 
the other, which he deposits on the table, 
salutes, and is gone. 

Expressions of admiration arise. Really it 
is astonishing to what a system such things 
may be brought by constant work. 

A Turkish soldier never knows defeat, and 
an officer present smiles, as he says : 

“All very good. Captain Romanoff, but your 
men are not the only ones who have been 
brought to perfection through drill. You 
shall see for yourselves,” and raising his voice 
he cries, 

“Achmed!” 

A Turkish soldier, barefooted, enters and 
salutes. He receives a number of francs and 
precisely the same instructions the Russian 
officer gave, salutes and retires. Out comes the 
Turk’s watch. 

“ Ten minutes you gave your man; I shall 
let Achmed have but eight. Now he hastens 
swiftly to the corner, turns it. Acquaintances 
would speak to him ; ah, he is dumb and blind, 
is this ‘model soldier when on duty. Now he is 
at the shop ; you see only three minutes have 
been consumed. He hurries Abdallah Effendi, 
who knows better than to keep a soldier wait- 
ing. Receiving the change just as your man 
did, he thrusts it into a pocket of his jacket for 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


249 


safe keeping, pieks up the tobaeco, and starts. 
I see him pass swiftly along; the bazar tempts 
him not; even at the door of the mosque he 
turns his head resolutely aside. Duty and 
promptness with a Turkish soldier is above 
all else. Now he draws near the door — enters 
— he is here,” as a growl sounds in the ante 
room — ” and the eight minutes just up. 
Achmed ! ” 

The door opens and a head appears, salut- 
ing. 

”Sir!” 

‘‘The tobacco, Achmed.” 

‘‘I haven’t found my shoes yet.” 

There is the same lack of discipline all 
through the Turkish army. What could be 
thought of soldiers, who, when disorderly, are 
actually whipped with a cane by a fat officer, 
while a comrade holds the offender’s head 
under his arm ? The bastinado is also a 
favorite punishment. No other nation on 
earth treats its soldiers in this way. 

Colonel Paul is eager to be in front of Plevna. 
He knows it is only a question of days when 
the Turks must surrender, for the Russians are 
quite aware of the fact that Osman’s provi- 
sions grow scarce, and his men are on short 
allowance. 

During the closing days of the siege there is 
apt to be some hard fighting, and this is what 


250 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


suits the temperament of the American; he 
has always been in the most desperate engage- 
ments, and if any one during a battle desires 
to find John Paul, it will be safe to look where 
the bullets fly thickest, and the carnage is at 
its height. 

Hence, he takes the earliest opportunity for 
going to the front. It is not hard work getting 
to Plevna, at least from the Russian side. The 
T urks seem to find it a different matter, for they 
leave brave Osman Pasha and his army to fate, 
and philosophically trust to Allah and his 
Prophet — with a yearning stretch of the arms 
in the direction of England — to get them out 
of the difiiculty. 

Perhaps our valiant colonel has anotlier 
thought in connection with the fight at Plevna. 
He knows Sister Therese and her charge have 
gone in that direction to lend their aid, and it 
may be a kind fortune will cause a meeting, 
something he most ardently desires, little 
guessing what awaits him. 

By diligence he passes over much of the 
intervening country. Then a horse is secured, 
and one bright morning our colonel shows up 
in the Russian camp before the hills which the 
Turkish tigers have defended so long and so 
well. 

All around him he sees evidences of war in 
its most terrible shape. Wounded are being 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


251 


cared for and the dead buried, while the living 
prepare to again meet the foe in another close, 
desperate struggle, hand to hand over the rifle 
pits, charging and retreating, but always with 
decimated numbers, for these Turkish zouaves 
are very devils in battle and stand to the last. 

Colonel Paul has many friends among the 
Russian officers, and is warmly received. They 
question him concerning his recent adventures. 
John is reserved, and only relates as much as 
pleases his fancy, so that the others are not 
armed with any weapons to annoy him in fun. 

He hears with a frown that Scobeloff and 
his British friend Lord Elmer Crawford are in 
camp, the count having been ordered to join 
his brigade, as every man is needed now that 
the operations around Plevna, which have 
cost Russia much treasure and blood, show 
signs of nearing an end. 

Then these two worthies managed to escape 
disaster at the hands of the drunken soldiers ; 
it looks as though Satan cares for his own. 

John wonders what deviltry the}^ will be up 
to next, and hopes he will be as fortunate in 
outwitting them in the future as he has been 
in the past. 

What worries him most is the thought that 
some harm may come to Jeanie. She is in the 
camp, and although the soldiers of both 
armies look upon the hospital nurses, together 


252 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


with the women who flit about upon the 
field of battle, giving drink to the wounded, 
praying with the dying, and cheering the 
despondent as though they were angels, still 
John dreads the plotting of an unserupulous 
man like Lord Elmer. 

Thus, even in the midst of his duties he has a 
worry on his mind, and more thanonee shows 
his nervousness by starting when some one 
taps him on the arm, as though he fears lest 
bad news comes. 

Nevertheless he is soon in the heat of the 
maneuvers and joins in an assault upon a 
Turkish fort ere he has been twenty-four hours 
in front of Plevna, receiving several wounds, 
which, however, do not send him to the hos- 
pital. 

It was Colonel John Paul who led the 
attack; but for his intrepid manner the Russian 
soldiers would have been beaten back, but they 
were bound to go where he led, and the fort 
fell. 

It is in one semse a key to the situation, and 
the Russian commander immediately strength- 
ens the post, so that, although the Turks try 
three separate times to recapture it, they are 
beaten back with heavy loss, and Colonel 
Paul, as night falls, still holds the fort. By 
morning it is so firmly fortified that Osman 
Pasha sees the foll3^ of sacrificing more lives in 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


253 


the attempt to retake it, and the carnage of 
battle no longer hangs over this spot. 

Personally the Grand Duke Nicholas compli- 
ments the American colonel on his work. It 
^is an honor to any man to be spoken to in this 
st3de. 

During the engagement Colonel John, to his 
surprise, has had a glimpse of Corney O’Shea 
among the Turks; the Irishman is dressed very 
much like his companions, but John recognizes 
him readily, and hopes he came out of the 
fierce engagement without harm. 

After the battle he personally looks over the 
field, and is gratified to discover no trace of 
the man who has long been as a brother to 
him, since they have shared many perils in the 
past. 

How eagerly John watches several black 
robed Sisters wearing the Red Cross flit about 
on the field of battle. It is just at eventide, 
and the gloomj' sky threatens a deluge of rain, 
for as yet winter has not fully set in. 

Can one of thembejeanie? He is so wrapped 
up in the thought that he makes an excuse to 
address them, but finds only disappointment. 
Still, she is somewhere near; he trusts that if 
some well-aimed Turkish bullet sends him to 
the hospital Heaven will kindly allow him the 
privilege of having Jeanie for a nurse. 


254 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


He little suspects what a revolution has 
occurred within her mind since last they 
parted. 

A few days later comes another assault 
almost equal to that which, earlier in the fall,^ 
carried the Grivitza redoubt and others above 
Plevna. It is a desperate attempt to cut a 
way into the heart of the Turkish camp, 
where, on the hill, can be seen the little green 
tent of Osman Pasha, the hero of the Russo- 
Turkish war — the man who, had he been 
backed up by a patriotic government, would 
have chased the Russian and Roumanian forces 
over the Danube — the man whose sole brain 
organized the defense of Plevna, than which 
there is no more wonderful in all history. 

Twelve shells a minute fell around that tent, 
and the general, coolly picking up his camp 
stool, moved to a hill thirty yards away, 
where he could watch the battle just as well, 
and direct his forces where to concentrate. 
Some Bulgarian spy had probably disclosed 
the position of headquarters to the enemy ^s 
gunners. 

It is in this engagement that Colonel Paul 
has the misfortune to be wounded — nothing 
dangerous, but painful, and which will proba- 
bly cause him to carry his left arm in a sling 
for a time. He deems it wise to seek the field 
hospital to have it dressed, but waits long 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


255 


enough for the more urgent cases to be out of 
the way. 

A surgeon is soon bandaging the arm, and 
John experiences a feeling of relief, for the pain 
has been considerable. 

At this moment the surgeon needs assistance 
and calls upon a nurse near by. John does not 
notice the sister until the operation is finished; 
his thoughts are far away. 

‘‘You will do. Colonel; come in two days 
and I will dress it again,” says the surgeon. 

“Thanks, Doctor.” 

“Ah ! it is a pleasure to do a service for one 
so brave as Colonel Paul,” says the French 
surgeon, as he bows and goes to another case. 

Then John turns and looks into a pair of 
e3^es that send the blood with lightning speed 
through his veins. 

“Jeanie! ” he exclaims, holding out his well 
hand with his usual impulsiveness, but she 
affects not to see it, at any rate does not 
take it. 

“Lady Jeanie, Colonel Paul,” she says, 
coldly. 

“What! Do 3^ou mean — have you forgot- 
ten — ” and then he stops short, as though a 
burning sensation of the truth flashes through 
his mind, and his pride touches him to the 
quick. 


256 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘Since last we met, Colonel Paul, something 
has caused me to change my mind.” 

He draws himself up. 

“Anyone is at liberty to do that, Lady 
Jeanie, only I thought — ^never mind. I pre- 
sume,” with an effort to be natural, “you 
have seen much of war’s horrors by this 
time.” 

“Yes, and have been kept busily employed. 
I have also heard of your gallant work ; it is 
pleasant to feel that one is the friend of a 
hero,” she replies, and he looks in vain for a 
touch of satire. 

Nevertheless the blood leaps into his swarthy 
cheeks. 

“ Thanks, Lady Jeanie, you are kind. Per- 
haps before many days we may see hotter 
work here, and I expect to have a hand in it. I 
beg that you will be on your guard — both 
Lord Elmer and the count are here, and may 
do \^ou mischief.” 

Even in the blackness of disappointed love 
he thinks of her, and an idea enters his head 
that by personally interesting the grand duke 
in her behalf, the latter will give Scobeloff and 
Crawford to understand that, if aught befalls 
her, they may be held accountable. 

A few more words pass between them ; then 
the nurse is called to another patient, and 
Colonel John Paul, the hero of the day, walks 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


257i 


away from the field hospital with a heavy 
heart. He has met with a Waterloo, and it 
mystifies him, since he knows not the reason 
of this girks change. Gratitude she still feels, 
but the love he craves does not lie in her eyes ; 
instead, she has looked upon him with a 
troubled, pained expression. What has he 
done? Who has been slandering him? He 
feels helpless to defend himself. When next he 
goes into action it will be with more of the 
daredevil in his composition than has ever yet 
distinguished his work, for Colonel Paul is dis- 
appointed, grieved, jilted by the woman he 
loves. 


CHAPTER II. 


A WHITE FLAG OYER THE CRESCENT. 

With the opening of the new 3^ear the 
defense of Plevna draws near its close. Osman 
has done all that mortal can do to keep the 
Russians back. He began his work with 
diminished resources, after the incapable 
Chefket and the traitorous Hakki had left him 
to be shut in, and has held his fort all these 
months. Only for this, the Russians would 
have had Constalitinople before winter. The 
delay gives Great Britain a chance to inter- 
vene. 

Now comes the dreadful work of-the last few 
days, when the Russians assault from every 
side, and are eagerly met by the half starved 
Tui'ks, anxious to be in .at the death. 

Blood flows like water. Plevna costs Russia 
more in treasure and men than the capture of 
Paris did Germany. Osman’s defense is pro- 
nounced the brightest page in the history of 
modern warfare, and, later on, when the end 

258 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


259 


comes, an admiring czar returns. with his own 
hands the sword of the conquered hero. 

No man is better prepared to engage in these 
closing battles than Colonel Paul. His left 
arm is nearly well, and a spirit of unrest urges 
him on to scenes of turbulent war; he feels 
that he must forget in the excitement of battle 
what he has lost. Lady Jeanie has mystified 
him, disax^pointed him, and he can never have 
the same contented, philosophical spirit as of 
yore. A new life has been born within his 
heart, a life that brings bitterness as well as 
joy, for who tastes of love knows both. 

When the order to advance is given along 
the line. Colonel Paul leads his men on with a 
dash that enthuses all who see the act. A rush 
up the hill, and they are at the line of hostile 
works. Guns flame, and the roar of artillery 
shakes th^ earth, but those men falter not. 
Gaps appear in their line, but these are closed 
at once. Their leader still leads them ; he must 
bear a charmed life, for certainly" dozens of 
shots are fired at him by the men behind the 
works. 

Over goes the Russian regiment with a cheer, 
and now the fight is hand to hand. Men meet 
' like savage tigers ; human nature goes far 
below the animal in time of battle, for the pas- 
sions that are brought to the surface are terri- 
ble. 


260 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


It is an awful spectacle, yet by reason of its 
very fury it becomes brief. The Turks are 
ba3"oneted at their guns, and the redoubt won, 
but Colonel Paul has lost half of his regiment. 

Other scenes of a like nature are taking 
place all the while, for this day is bound to 
mark the downfall of Plevna. If Russian sol- 
diers succeed in half they undertake between 
the rising and setting of the sun on this fatal 
day, Osman must speedily capitulate. 

When evening comes much has been done, 
but the flag bearing the crescent still floats 
from the main works of the enemy. All is not 
3^et over, it may be. 

One thing the Turcoman commander has 
neglected to do, and it has only been a lack of 
means that prevents him. Could he have 
mined all his forts, after they fell into the 
hands of the enemy they could, have been 
exploded, inflicting great damage that would 
more than compensate for the loss. 

It is night. 

Campfires gleam for miles around, as the 
whole country is one vast encampment. Shots 
are heard now and then ; sallies on the part of 
garrisons made tip of hungry Turks are of 
almost hourly occurrence, but the Russians 
have tightened their coil around doomed 
Plevna, and such puny blows do not amount 
to anything. Perlfaps they are more in the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


261 


line of foraging parties, hoping to run across 
a provision wagon, for plentj^ of food and 
ammunition is all the Turks want in order to 
hold their own until flowers bloom. 

Colonel Paul has a tent pitched ; a fire burns 
just outside, for the night is cold, although 
even at this date winter holds back. 

John is seated within, beside a rough table 
made with empty cracker boxes and aboard. 
He has two tallow dips lighted, and one is 
placed on either side of a map which he studies 
intentl3^ It represents Turkey in Europe with 
the several states that lie between the 
Ottoman Empire and that of the great white 
czar. 

Colonel Paul knows Plevna is tottering, and 
as Osman’s retreat is cut off he must speedily 
capitulate. What then? Will the Russian 
forces at once advance upon Constantinople, 
or will they merely threaten the sacred city? 
There are other things to be taken into con- 
sideration ; Russia is not prepared for another 
Crimea, and England is bound to stand back 
of the Turk. 

There are the Balkans. Will the cavalry 
chieftain, valiant Gourka, be sent through 
them to ravage the country and, it may be, 
descend upon the city on the Bosphorus 
before England can intervene ? 


262 


THE COLONEL BY BREYEI^. 


These are the great questions Colonel Paul 
endeavors to study out— mighty interesting 
questions to one eoncerned in the war in 
Turkey. 

For the time he has. managed to put his own 
private troubles out of the way. It is a singu- 
lar thing that in battle bullets generally find 
the timid and cowardly, even if they have to 
circle a tree in order to do it. The reckless man 
who has nothing to live for, and who courts 
death, generally comes out of the fight 
unscathed. 

John has reflected upon this singular thing, 
and marked it down as one of those freaks of 
fate sometimes met with. There is no other 
way to account for it. 

As his eye wanders over the execrable map 
of the Turkish possessions, he experiences a 
sudden start as he notes the little village on 
the Roumanian border, where the train was 
stopped on that night. It was there he dis- 
covered the feeling in his heart for Jeanie; it 
was there he looked into her eyes and told her 
he loved her, receiving as sweet an assurance of 
returned affection as ever came to man. 

He groans now; the remembrance brings 
anything but pleasure to his heart. Then 
he resolutely shuts his teeth ^together and 
turns his attention to other parts of the mili- 
tary map. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


263 


Already lie has made arrangements with 
General Gonrka to aeeompany the latter if he 
is detailed on a raid. Sinee some ernel fate 
seems to have eome between himself and the 
girl he loves John’s one desire is continued 
action ; the fever in his veins cannot allow him 
to remain quiet, and he must be on the go. 

Outside sounds the cry of the sentry pacing 
his beat, and when the crash of guns is not 
heard, the Russians can plainly catch the songs 
of the Turks who man the still frowning 
redoubts above, to gain which may cost 
hundreds and even thousands of lives. 

A glance below would reveal a scene never 
to be wiped from the page of memory. 
Myriads of fires burn in the valley and on the 
plateau, looking like weird fireflies; here a 
larger glare marks the site of a field hospital, 
where day and night the wearied surgeons are 
amputating limbs, sewing up wounds, probing 
for balls, and endeavoring by heroic treat- 
ment to save the spark of life left in the poor 
devils carried in from the field. 

These scenes are old to a campaigner like 
John Paul, and yet there is always a morbid 
interest about them that attracts him. The 
roll of the drum, the shrill piping of the fife— 
these be sounds that will quicken the blood of 
a veteran twenty years after his last battle 
has been fought. 


264 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Twice this young veteran of war rises and goes 
to the opening of his tent to gaze upon the 
scene spread before him. He seems uneasy, as 
though some warning arises within his soul. 
What does it mean? He has heard of men 
who have been thus warned of death. Is it 
his fate to fall in the morrow’s assault? Little 
he cares, this man who was always something 
of a daredevil, but who of late has become a 
perfect fire eater in action ever since the hour 
when Jeanie Stockton so coolly informed him 
that their lives must diverge — that she was — 
mistaken in her feelings. 

So he sneers at the handwriting on the wall, 
as it may turn out to be, and goes on with 
his work as nonchalantly as only such a man 
can; he has supped with death more than 
once, and the king of terrors has no power to 
cause his heart to stand still. 

Ha! What are those sounds? The Russians 
are bringing some prisoners down the slope — 
a few who were left of a brave band captured 
while defending a redoubt to the last — men 
who have seen action at Shipka and in 
Dragoman Pass, and other places in the 
mountains. 

These captured Turks do not seem to be 
down spirited in the least; strange fellows they 
are, and, as they descend to the valley where 
they will be sent to the rear, they laugh and 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


265 


sing as though war and wounds and death 
itself were a merr3^ thing. 

Colonel John Paul suddenly raises his head 
with a start. Why should he listen so intently 
to the sounds near by ? A voice trolls out a 
song he has heard man^^ a time at the camp- 
fire — a voice he knows as well as his own. 

For the third time he springs to the opening 
of his tent; the sentry has just poked up the 
fire, and its light reveals the double line of 
prisoners with their armed captors on either 
side. His e3^es glance from one to another; 
hard featured Turks they are, these terrible 
fighters, and upon them rests the glory of 
Osman^s stubborn resistance at Plevna; but 
John cares nothing just at present about these 
men, and his eyes rove on until they are 
arrested by the face of the man who sings. 

Corney — to be sure! 

The Franco-Irishman has been captured in 
the rifle pits, but John Paul knows he has 
given a good account of himself before allow- 
ing himself to be made a prisoner; Corney is a 
born fighter, as he has demonstrated on many 
an occasion, and no one need fear for the repu- 
tation of a company he leads. 

Colonel Paul is out bare headed in a minute 
and speaking to the officer in command of the 
detachment having the prisoners in charge. 


266 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


who chances to know him well, and agrees to 
his request. 

“I will be personally responsible for him in 
the morning,^’ the American says, and, turning 
to the astonished Corney, adds authorita- 
tive! Fellow, come into my tent.” 

Discreet O’Shea keeps a straight face, 
though he is wondering what is in the wind 
now. Once they are inside and the flap of the 
tent down, John seizes the other’s hand and 
wrings it almost fiercely. He is getting sus- 
picious of womanl^^ friendship, but he would 
willingly trust his life with a man whom he 
knows as he does O’Shea. 

He notices that the latter looks at him in a 
very queer way, and this puzzles him, but, 
brushing all doubts aside, he asks. questions, 
and learns what the other has been through 
during the time that has passed since last they 
sojourned together along the Danube. 

Finally, over a bottle of wine, which warms 
poor Corney ’s heart, as he has not had a taste 
since reaching the lines of Osman Pasha, they 
grow even more communicative. It is the 
Irishman’s turn now to ask questions. 

Have you been with the Russians ever since 
I left ye. Colonel?” is the first one, of which 
John thinks so little that he merely nods. 

‘‘Ye’ve not been away at all — never even 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


267 


took a sly peep in at Osman^s Headquarters? 
pursues the puzzled Irishman. 

“Not at all — I’ve taken part in 'four engage- 
ments, captured the Radishovo redoubt, been 
wounded twice, but I’ve not been a foot out- 
side the Russian lines in all that time since we 
quitted the Danube,” is the very positive reply 
John makes. 

“One question more. Colonel, dear,” con- 
tinues Corney, whose nature is something like 
the stubborn one of a bulhdog, and, once on a 
scent, he keeps pegging away with the persist- 
ence that characterizes the pursuit of a 
wounded deer b^^ a hungry wolf. “Are yees a 
somnambulist — a sleep-walker? ” 

At this John laughs aloud. 

“ Queer notions 3"ou have, Corney, to be sure. 
I am pleased to inform you that to the best of 
my knowledge and belief IVe never been 
known to walk a step in my sleep,” he returns, 
at which the Irishman shakes his head and 
mutters : 

“All I can say, then, it’s mighty queer. Per- 
haps there was something wrong with the 
Turkish brandy I had, but faith, it don’t mat- 
ter much nohow.” 

Then he seems to dismiss the subject that 
has bothered him, and branches off upon some- 
thing else. 


268 


the; colone:l by brevet. 


As luck will have it, he finally mentions the 
name John is trying to keep out of the conver- 
sation. Corney should have been a lawyer 
instead of a newspaper correspondent and 
artist. Indeed, he fills almost any role success- 
fully, but he has a way of working the truth 
out of an unwilling witness that is peculiar* to 
say the least, and must have gained him con- 
siderable renown and much lucre as a member 
of the legal fraternity. 

Thus he beats about the bush until finally in 
sheer desperation John admits the truth and 
tells the story of his sorrow. Perhaps he is 
not altogether sorry to have a confidant; 
human nature craves sympath3% and even a 
man like John Paul, strong in his disposition 
and equal to almost any eniergenc^^ that might 
arise, feels better after he has confided in a true 
friend. 

Corney looks deeper into matters than his 
friend, and he gets verj^near the truth when he 
says : 

“Ten to one it’s Sister Therese’s work,” at 
which John brightens up a little as he asks : 

“ What the deuce do you mean, my boy ? ” 

“ She’s influenced the girl een to give ye up. 
These nuns want to see everj^ pretty girl take 
the veil, leastways if she’s got money,” says 
Corne3', stoutly. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


269' 


‘‘I don’t altogether believe that, as I’ve 
known some mighty fine women among the 
Sisters; but in the present case, by Jove, it 
may be so,” cries John, slapping the rude table 
with his fist until the candles perform a war 
dance in hieroglyphics. 

The sudden thought brings a wonderful 
hope. He begins to feel some animation again, 
and even looks upon O’Shea as a counsellor 
and guide — O’Shea, who understands women 
folks so well, and whose experience has been so 
varied . 

“Depend upon it, me boy, you’ll find I’m 
mighty near the truth. The next time you see 
the lady, demand the truth.” 

“That is putting it pretty strong, Corney. 
I shall endeavor to influence Ladyjeanietotell 
mein what I have offended,” says John, anima- 
tion now lighting up his face. 

“It’s all the same in the end,” mutters 
Corney. 

Other things arise and are discussed. Sur- 
rounded by the sounds and sights of war, these 
two continue to talk about the various things 
that are likely to interest them. 

Colonel Paul makes up a cot in his tent for 
Corne3^ to pass the night upon. In the morn- 
ing he will see that an exchange is speedilj^ 
effected. 


270 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘It don’t matter much,” says the brave 
Irishman, with a deep sigh; “I reckon my 
capture is only a little premature anyhow. 
The3^’re nearly starving to death up 3^onder. I 
never in me life saw men fight like they do on 
empty stomachs. A little buffalo meat that 
would make ye sick, Colonel, and some abom- 
inably weak coffee is all they had the day, and 
3^et 3^e’ve had proof of their gameness.” 

The colonel is quite ready to admit all his 
friend says. He has seen the Turks and met 
them in battle, so that no man knows better 
than he their worth in war. All they want is 
a good leader, and a government that is alive 
to their interests, and they must be hard to 
conquer. 

After a while John insists upon his friend 
lying down to get some sleep. He has fed him 
from what he chances to have in stock, and it 
is a pleasure to see the way in which Corne^^ 
gets into the rations. 

Food and sleep have been strangers to him 
p'rett}' much of the time of late, and he hardly 
looks like the same man the American parted 
from on the Danube, and with whom he saw 
Vienna. 

So Corney is made comfortable, and the 
night passes, to give birth to another da^^that 
will be memorable in Turkish historjq since it 
marks the downfall of Plevna. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


271 


For months has this fort stood in the way of 
the Russians, who dared not pass it by, and 
failed again and again to take the extended 
works. For months they have been hammer- 
ing away at the breach, pouring mone3^ and 
blood into the work, and now the result of 
their labors is come. 

Certain it is that at Plevna the Russian gen- 
erals deserve little of the credit that falls to 
the share of the Turkish commander. 

Having no hope of succor, and with his men 
almost dying from starvation, Osman Pasha 
decides that the time to surrender has come. 

He has tried to sally forth many times, but 
the Russian anaconda has tightened its coils, 
and cannot be shaken off; as relentless as fate, 
it surrounds them, and cuts awa^^ their hopes 
of escape. 

So the white flag goes up. 

It is received with mighty cheering on the 
part of the Russian host. Soldiers respect a 
brave foe, and certainly the Turks have given 
the invaders reason to look vipon them as 
such. 

The day marks an epoch in history. Plevna 
has fallen, and it cannot be many months now 
ere the war will be ended. At the least, Turkey 
will be shorn of some of her northern prov- 
inces, and new states formed that will gradu- 
ally prove antagonistic to the crescent flag. 


272 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Colonel Panl is glad; he likes not this life in 
the trenches with its labor and deadly affrays. 
Soon he will be coursing over the country side 
by side with the dashing Gourka. 



CHAPTER III. 


jeanie’s letter. 

Before he starts upon this wild ride the 
colonel has one desire; it is to again see Eady 
Jeanie, and ask her a plain question. Heisnot 
the man to stand upon trifles, and being plain 
of speech, likes no mystery. 

Twice since his meeting at the field hospital 
he has seen the English girl to give her a bow, 
but no conversation has passed between them. 
She has done noble work, and hundreds of 
Russian soldiers bless her sweet face, for she 
has come to them like an angel of light, reliev- 
ing their sufferings, both mental and phj^sical. 

John sees that she looks older than before. 
What she has passed through is enough to 
make her feel different from the girl he met in 
Vienna. There may be something else that 
causes this, for a disease of the mind will affect 
one quicker than anything else. 

Now that he would see her in order to have 
an explanation, he finds it difficult work. She 

48 273 


274 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


was here yesterday, but to-day both Sister 
Therese and herself have vanished . 

His pursuit grows warmer, for this colonel 
is not accustomed to being balked in an under- 
taking. He continues to make inquiries, pass- 
ing from one hospital in the field to another, 
until at last he has made the rounds, and seen 
about as much human misery as a man could 
within six hours. 

Only one clue has he found. From a Sister 
of the Red Cross he learns that as soon as the 
surrender had been made, a company of the 
nurses had gone over to the camps of the Turk, 
where there must be sad need of womanly 
services. 

Might she not be among them ? 

He loses no time, but enters the captured 
works. They show in every line the marks of 
desperate resistance, and Colonel Paul is lost 
in admiration of the courage that held this 
line so long. Nevertheless, just at present he 
has other fish to fry, and comes not here to 
wonder. 

Soon he reaches a rude hospital where scores 
of Turkish soldiers lie. The air is cold, and 
they have no superfluous clothing, yet they do 
not complain. Several nurses are making 
broth and attending to their wounds; the 
Turks realize that they are to profit by the 
surrender. 


275 



THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

He is disappointed innot diseoveringthe one 
he seeks here, but there are other fields to 
explore, and he does mean to let it rest. Pass- 
ing on he reaehes another temporary hospital 
in a ravine where shelter from the guns of the 
Russians might be had; and here he finds 
Jeanie. 

Upon her faee is a wearied expression, as 
though she has been undertaking more of late 
than her S3^stem ean stand. As John watehes 
her, unseen, he feels a great yearning eome over 
him. What a wife she will make some lucky 
man, and how unfortunate that a shadow 
should have come between them. Well, he is 
here for the purpose of clearing such a shadow 
away, and means to let nothing prevent him 
from doing so, or at least learning all there is. 

He waits patiently, not desiring to interrupt 
her in the duties that occupy her time. It 
draws near evening; she will be wishing to 
return to the Russian camp, and he can offer 
to see her there in safety. Surely, she will not 
refuse to allow of his accompan3dng her, this 
man who has faced death more than once in 
her behalf. 

One thing he notes with pleasure — the 
absence of Sister Therese. Where she may be 
he cares not, so long as it is awa^^ from him ' 
why he dislikes this woman he cannot sa^^, 


276 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


since he has not seen her face, but something 
within warns him against her as his enemy. 

So lie hovers under the bleak C3^press trees 
that grow in the little gully — hovers there 
until Jeanie gives evidence of being about to 
depart. 

Does she know of his presence? He cannot 
say, but certainly she shows no signs of it. 
Still, he has been there long enough to attract 
the attention of all the other nurses. 

As Jeanie moves off through the gathering 
shadows, John reaches her side. 

“You will not refuse me the pleasure of see- 
ing 3^011 safely to the other camp, Lady 
Jeanie? ’’ 

She turns and looks at him through her 
veil. 

“Good evening. Colonel Paul,” she says. 

“ Y^ou do not answer my question.” 

“Why should I refuse? I have been only too 
glad to accept 3^our guardianship under other 
circumstances. Colonel.” 

At the same time he notes the fact that the 
voice is cold ; she has erected a wall between 
them, a wall that has arisen since that hour 
when he saw her leave the Danube, and 
betra3^ed the secret of his heart. 

They walk on through the fort, which pre- 
sents quite a different appearance from what 
it did a day previous. Now those who were 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


277 


the deadly foes of the Turks are endeavoring 
to do their best to bring relief. It is a blessed 
armistice, at any rate; these brave men deserve 
fair treatment. 

‘‘You have worked very hard; your presence 
has done much toward ameliorating the suf- 
ferings of the poor devils who are wounded ; 
but you look worn ; I am afraid 3^ou overtax 
your strength,’^ he goes on, but she shakes 
her head. 

“I am in good health. Not being used to 
such scenes of dreadful suffering has of course 
made its mark upon me, but that will pass 
awa3".’’ 

“Lady Jeanie, I desire to ask j^ou a plain 
question, and I beg that you give me an an- 
swer in a like spirit. You are frank with others, 
be frank with me.^^ 

He waits, but, receiving no answer, goes on : 

“At the time we parted, after our advent- 
ures on the train and powder boat, I sj^oke 
certain words which, pardon me, did not 
appear to give you offense. I have since then 
cherished a hope in my heart that perhaps the 
relations between us might be closer than 
friendship might dictate. Am I presumptuous 
in believing that you have held a warm feeling 
for me in your heart ? 

Still she does not reply, though her breath 
comes quick and convulsively. 


278 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


would not intrude my hopes and fears 
upon yon, Ladj^f^anie, only that on to-mor- 
row I expect to ride away with General 
Gourka over the wild Balkans, and there can 
be no telling when I will see you again. I have 
been in battle of late, where the bullets flew 
like hail, but it was your face I saw before me, 
and I confess without shame that for your 
sake I spared more than one foeman who lay 
helpless in my path.” 

Again he stops, and this time she musters up 
enough courage to reply. 

“That was considerate of you. Colonel 
Paul, but I am sure it was the dictates of your 
own heart 3^ou obeyed rather than anything 
else.” 

“ Lad}^ Jeanie, once for all, let me know the 
worst. II 3^our decision is against me, I shall 
endeavor to abide by the result, but I beg of 
you be as considerate as you can. Forget the 
past; let nothing I have ever done for you 
influence 3’our decision. Tell me, am I to hope, 
or shall I go to-morrow with the same blank 
future before me that has been my lot these 
man3^ years ? ” 

Much depends vipon her reply, and this 
soldier feels his pulse beat as it never did when 
he faced the frowning cannon of a foe. 

Jeanie seems to collect her senses, and nerve 
herself for a calnf reply. She is no ordinary 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


279 


girl, and experience lias done much toward 
developing her character. 

‘‘Colonel Paul, you know without my say- 
ing it that you have my respect and gratitude. 
When you ask for more than that,’’ with a 
half sob, “I am unable to give you a favorable 
answer. I shall always pray for your safety — 
I owe my life to you, and shall take an interest 
in all your future, which, I trust, will be such 
as to bring new fame to your name. Beyond 
friends we can never be.” 

He bites his lip fiercely ; it is on his tongue to 
demand the reason, for he believes she cares 
more for him than she will admit. Then he 
remembers that she is a lady, and, rough sol- 
dier as he is, he pretends to be a gentleman. 
Surely he has no business to go behind the 
returns. He has asked her to be his wife and 
she has politely refused the honor. That 
ends it. 

Other men have suffered the same pain, and 
surely he ought to be able to stand it. He sets 
his teeth together and grimly makes up his 
mind that although the medicine is bitter, he 
can stand it as well as the next one. 

So he speaks of something else, and endeav-^ 
ors to show that his pain and disappointment 
are not bound to cut very deep, but even a 
novice could read Colonel Paul better than 
that. 


280 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


They pass into the Russian lines, and finally 
reach the hospital where Jeanie has accommo- 
dations for the night. John tries to be himself 
as he sa3"s good-bye in his usual frank manner. 
She puts her hand in his, and he resists the 
temptation to press it wildly. Once he held 
her in his arms; once he looked into those 
glorious e3^es, and even kissed her, to which she 
made no resistance. What would he not give 
for another such opportunity as this ! But, 
alas, her own words have doomed him. 

So the3" exchange pleasant words in parting, 
as friends might do, and turn away. Who can 
tell what pain they sufier in thus giving up 
all? Colonel Paul is a man; he has met 
adversity on many a field and grimly bows his 
head to the storm. With Jeanie it is different; 
she is a woman, and weeps. 

The soldier turns in after his supper; his iron 
resolution can generally bring about sleep the 
mintite his head touches a pillow, but on this 
one night, at least, he finds that it goes back on 
him. For an hour or more he lies there and 
worries, now and then muttering against his 
foolishness in giving wa3^ to such things. 

At length near midnight he falls asleep and 
knows no more until morning^s reveille 
arouses him. This is the day he leaves with 
Gourka for Orkhanie Pass, whither the Ninth 
Corps will soon follow. Within a week after 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


281 


the fall of Plevna, the whole army will be in 
motion, heading for one or the other of the 
advanced posts in the Balkans, as it is hoped 
the campaign will be so advanced that April or 
May will see the end. 

Colonel Paul busies himself in getting ready, 
for he knows full well what lies before him. 
They will see rough campaigning while riding 
through the Balkans. 

Resolutely he endeavors to keep his thoughts 
away from the one subject that gives him such 
pain, with what success can be easily imagined, 
for John is human. 

He has much to engage his attention, and it 
pleases him to be busy, since thus he can keep 
his mind awa^" from the subject upon which 
he does not care to ponder. 

The Russian camps show great signs of 
preparation. Provisions are plent3% but 
many of the soldiers are ragged, their clothing 
not having been renewed since the previous 

July. 

On all sides can be heard the notes of prep- 
aration — the busy hum that makes one think 
of a hive of bees, as the men prepare to leave 
the scenes of their long battles. They will be 
glad to know that the war is over, for men 
tire of this business after a time and look for- 
ward to peace. 


282 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


His horse is ready, a fine animal that came 
from Gourka, who has an eye for horse flesh. 
John is a good rider, and makes an elegant 
appearance on horseback. He notes the points 
of his steed as his orderly holds him there, and 
then once more lets his ej^e roam down the hill- 
side, so dearly bought with the blood of the 
best Russian soldiers. He can remember 
almost every foot of ground, for did he not 
help to win it? Was not his sword in the van 
every time an advance came about — his face 
closest to the fierce foe ? 

He does not regret leaving these scenes, but 
at the same time knowing he will never look 
upon them again, he survej^sthem with a deep 
interest. 

In time to come, while watching the smoke 
curl up from his cigar, takingdt easy in front 
of some hotel at Alexandria, Calcutta, or any 
other out of the way foreign place, memory 
will carry him back to this scene, and in the 
blue smoke he will see the files of brave 
Russians rushing up the steep sides of Plevna, 
while the equally intrepid Turks above hurl 
them back. 

Those who were there maybe proud all their 
lives to say, was wounded at Plevna.’^ 

The hour of departure has come. 

John’s eyes have fallen upon a number of the 
Red Cross Sisters, hurrying this way and that 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


283 


in their work, for their hands are exceedingly 
full now that they have the Turkish wounded 
to care for also. In vain he seeks Jeanie; he 
feels that he would know her carriage, her 
figure, among a thousand, it is so superb. 

Why should he think of her? She is no more 
to him than any other woman ? True, he has 
been enabled by good fortune to .save her life 
several times, and who knows but what he 
may again have that pleasure some day, which 
he will eagerly avail himself of? 

It is all very well to talk and reason, but 
that does not change matters. John Paul 
knows in his soul that Jeanie Stockton is 
more to him than all other women in the 
whole universe combined ; the only trouble, he 
grimW remarks to himself, is that he has been 
unable to convince her that he is anything 
more than other men to her. 

Then he grows angry at himself for his 
audacity, and wonders what any lady could 
see in such a rough rider as himself to admire. 

“One would think you were a conceited cox- 
comb instead of plain John Paul, the man who 
minds his own business, who respects all 
womankind on account of his dear mother, 
and who resolved years ago to remain a rov- 
ing bachelor all his life. I am ashamed of 3^ou, 
John! From this hour you must look upon 
Lady Jeanie as a sister. Some other fellow. 


284 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


better looking than you, will win her, and yon 
inay danee at the wedding. Yes, winee as 3^ou 
will, my fine fellow, this is very apt to take 
place, and the sooner you make 3'our mind up 
to it the better.’^ 

The consolation he gets out of it is very 
poor indeed, and he welcomes the sound of the 
bugle calling the troops to move. 

His orderly brings his horse, and with a 
spring John is in the saddle. Everything has 
has been attended to with the promptness and 
dispatch that mark the ways of a veteran 
campaigner. 

Just as he is about to gallop toward the 
spot where the general and his officers superin- 
tend the movements of the troops who are to 
cut so wide and disastrous a swath through 
the Balkans, a soldier rides up. 

In him the colonel recognizes one of the men 
who have been with him at Plevna, and 
whose duty of late it has been to get the mail 
at the little post restante established for the 
corps. 

Mechanically he feels an interest in the man 
and stays his horse. He has friends and rela- 
tives in various portions of the globe, and John 
is such a good correspondent that he alwa^^s 
has plenty of letters and papers. Some come 
from the states, others from England, India 
and even China. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


285 


So he waits to get his budget, having 
already left orders to have future deliveries 
forwarded. 

A small package is tied roughly with a bit of 
cord. He takes it, passes a few words pleas- 
antly with the letter carrier, and just then, as 
the bugle sounds again, an orderly dashes up 
and informs John the general desires to have 
him ride at his side, for Colonel Paul knows 
the ground well, and can give numerotis 
points. 

So he slips the package of letters into a 
pocket of his overcoat, and gallops toward 
the elevation where the field officers are con- 
gregated, ready to start. It is hours l)efore he 
remembers them or has a chance to glance over 
his mail. 

The troops are in motion at last. Many of 
them are Cossacks, those hard riders who 
played the part of cavalr3fin theRusso-Turkish 
war, and met the fierce attacks of the Ottoman 
hosts with a bravery equal to that shown hy 
the scourging Turks. 

Already the weather gives signs of a change, 
and has grown very cold. In the Balkans it 
must be nearly zero, and a poor time for cam- 
paigning. One thing is certain, however, the 
Russians are accustomed to cold weather, 
and can stand it much better than the warmer 
blooded Turks. 


2S6 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


So they ride on all day, and with the coming 
of night gladly go into bivouac in the midst of 
a snow storm. How cheery the fires look! 
How comfortable they feel to the hungry and 
chilled riders ! Supper is partaken of with a 
relish, and then they lie back at ease — the 
officers who have nothing else to do. 

Here our colonel by the grace of the czar is 
seated smoking a pipe, cigars being tabooed 
on the march, when it suddenly occurs to him 
that he has not even glanced at his mail. 

With the eagerness every traveler shows at 
the prospect of news from home, John takes 
the first letter, opens and reads it, after which 
he picks up another. They give him much 
interest, though the flickering light from the 
fire tries his eyes. 

One remains. As he takes it up he surveys it 
with a sudden thrill; surely he should know 
that chirography ; it is Lady Jeanie’s bold hand. 
He holds his breath, and with trembling fingers 
opens it. What is this he reads by the fire- 
light ? 

“ Colonel John Paul : — We go from Plevna to a new field, 
I may never see you again. I desire to thank you for all 
you have done for me, and to tell you I would above all 
things dearly love to see you happy.” 

“ Ah ! She relents, the darling I ” 

“Therefore, I beg and entreat that you will do an act of 
justice that has too long been left undone. I look upon 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


287 


you as a man of honor. I have heard recently something 
that I cannot believe wholly, and am sure there must be a 
mistake somewhere.” 

“Of course there is; it’s that which has 
turned her from me, and her heart gives her no 
rest until I have a chance to explain matters. 
Good, my boy, you may win in a canter yet, 
who knows; but to go on:” 

“I know you will be honorable enough to rectify it. 
Look back over your past, and you will have no difficulty 
in guessing the one trouble I refer to.” 

“The deuce! I’m all at sea again, for I’ve 
known troubles ever since I was. knee high to a 
duck. What under the sun can she refer to ? 
Perhaps it will bob up soon, but I hopeitisn’t 
that little affair in Madrid some six years ago, 
when I was fool enough to fight a duel over a 
girl who married my rival the day after I 
nearly slaughtered him.” 

” What I want you to do, John Paul, is to effect a recon- 
ciliation with — ” 

“ Good Heavens! ” 

“ — your wife! I have found her a sweet, lovable 
woman,” 

“ The deuce you have, my dear lady I ” 

“ — and I believe the shadow once lifted from your lives 
you would be happy. Address me as below, if you write, 
and I shall do my best to reconcile Sister Therese to you, 
for although you may not have suspected it, she is the 
woman you once promised to love and cherish,” 


288 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“ Now may I be scourged if I ever did ! ” 

“ — and called your wife!'" 

And, as he finishes, the astounded colonel 
gazes at the paper as though out of his mind. 


CHAPTER IV. 


A RAID OF THE COSSACKS OVER THE BALKANS. 

V^HATEVER Colonel Paul may think of this 
letter, he says nothing, but sits there a Jong 
while, looking into the fire with a puzzled 
expression on his face. The flames crackle in 
the frosty air, and send out cheerful heat. 
Almost half an hour passes thus, and the 
expression on John’s face has grown even more 
serious and troubled. It is evident that he 
cannot put things together in a way that is 
eminently satisfactory. 

Several times he believes he has a strong 
case, but upon following it up reaches a point 
where the game is blocked. 

Finally John deliberately folds the letter up 
and places it in an inner pocket. 

‘Ht may come in handy for reference, some 
day, when I am brought face to face with— 
wife!'' he says, with a grim smile that vSeems 
to make his features a little harsh, 


290 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Then, wearied with the day’s ride, he rolls 
into his blanket and seeks rest. Philosophical, 
sensible Colonel Paul, shutting out the world 
and all its attendant troubles ! 

With the morrow the column is on the move, 
and night sees them near Orkhanie Pass. It is 
here on the northern side of the Balkans the 
forces who are to co-operate under Gourka 
have been concentrated. They are a hardy 
body of men, eager to push forward. 

The passage of the Balkans has long been 
deemed impossible by an army in winter, for a 
comparatively small body of men can hold the 
few passes; yet here is Gourka, the unterrified, 
about to mount the hills themselves, dragging 
his guns after him. 

All day long the army climbs. The guns 
have been taken to pieces, and are hauled up 
this steep and over that obstacle by main force 
of muscle. It is strange what human energy 
is capable of— the gravest difficulties melt 
before it, and all the brilliant passages in his- 
tory owe their coloring to the indomitable will 
power of man. 

The scene is an astonishing one — myriads of 
Russians toiling upward — here a band of 
mounted Cossacks picking a way for their 
horses— beyond, a hundred infantrymen drag- 
ging a cannon up hy means of stout ropes. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


291 


Snow lies everywhere, but these daring men 
are no strangers to its icy touch ; they can even 
lie down in the midst of it and sleep as sweetly 
as one might at home. 

Gourka is troubled at nightfall ; the work 
has been delayed, and his long line extends in 
broken sections over a great stretch of terri- 
tory. If the Turks are on the alert, they may 
do considerable damage. 

Hence, the general sleeps very uneasily on 
the summit of the Balkans this night. Morn- 
ing comes and is greeted joyfully, for several 
times during the night alarms have been given, 
which, however, amount to little. 

The work goes on, and the troops gather for 
the movement down the south side. By this 
time the Turks have gotten wind of the truth 
— they can be seen concentrating here and 
there, ready to oppose the advance of the Rus- 
sians. 

It is evident that the roar of battle will soon 
make the rocks that form the foundations of 
the Balkans tremble. Gourka has already 
mapped out his plan, and knows where he will 
make his descent. He gives his, orders in a tone 
that shows the utmost confidence. Gourka 
will prove to the world how idle is the Turkish 
bbast that no army can ever cross the Balkans 
in winter — that the snow-clad mountains 


292 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


stand as an impassable barrier to the north of 
T^trke3^ 

Before another day is over heavy firing gives 
evidence that at last the opposing forces have 
come in contact, and the clash of arms tells of 
bloodA^ work. Colonel Paul chances to be on 
the spot, and receives a bullet from aPeabody- 
Martini rifle, sent at fifteen hundred yards, 
through his hat. 

Then the work grows warmer, as during the 
night the determined Russians descend still 
nearer the works of their foes. 

A force of Cossacks is sent along a path to 
make a reconnoissance and, if possible, attack 
the enemy in the rear. They number one 
thousand men, and gladly John Paul accepts 
an invitation from their leader to ride with 
them on their perilous mission. 

These Cossacks, famous in history as the 
men who so harassed Napoleon in his retreat 
from Moscow, hardly seem like the majority of 
the Muscovite forces. 

The3^ natives of the mountains and val- 
leys of the Caucasus, and have ruddy com- 
plexions, dark hair and eyes, stubby black 
beards as a general rule, and sturdj^ rather 
short figures. 

Their dress is peculiar, also, consisting of a 
black, woolly sheepskin hat, one or two long 
tunics coming to their heels, the inner one of 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


295 


red silk and the outer of brown woolen cloth, 
a pair of trousers, and low boots into which 
the legs of the nether garments are thrust. 

The tunic is gathered at the waist by a nar- 
row leather belt, ornamented with silver 
worked in enamel ; the sciniiter-like sword is 
hung by a similar piece of leather passing over 
one shoulder, while the carbine hangs over the 
other, in a sheath of sheepskin ; on each breast 
are several cases for cartridges. 

This formidable' trooper is mounted on a 
small but exceedingly wiry horse, which might 
be compared in some respects with our mus- 
tang. The Cossack will ride for days, subsist 
on a minimum, and fight like all possessed on 
the slightest pretext. 

Although faithful subjects of the white czar, 
these Cossacks speak a language of their own, 
and know very little Russian. They are all 
Mohammedans. These light cavalrymen of 
the Muscovite army render the best service 
when left to their own resources; they are 
amenable to discipline onlj^to a certain extent, 
and would mutiny if placed under the restraint 
that characterizes the regulars. 

Nothing pleases Colonel Paul more than the 
opportunity^ to indulge in one of the wild rides 
such as these men are accustomed to. 

He is with them from the start, as they 
debouch from under the l^are cypress trees on 


294 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


the southern slope of the Balkans, and immedi- 
ately scatter a company of Turks marching 
toward a post. 

The scene is a lively one for a time, but the 
Turks, finding themselves in the minority, 
know how to retreat, and hence manage to 
get away, after leaving some ten of their num- 
ber on the field. 

Then the column closes up in something like 
a military manner, and they gallop on. Bul- 
garia, the main cause of the war, has become 
a battle ground. Turkish forces are every- 
where, and at any hour in nearing a village 
they may expect to be greeted by a shower of 
leaden missiles that will empty more than one 
Cossack saddle. 

On such occasions there is a wild shouting, a 
scattering of the hard riders, and the place is 
carried by storm. Any Turk who maybe seen 
is either shot or falls under the keen, curved 
blades of these Cossack cavalr^^men. 

Several villages ]3resent a difierent appear- 
ance. Here deputations of the Bulgarian citi- 
zens, headed by the priests of the Greek church, 
come out to meet them, bearing bread and 
salt, the emblems of good will. In such places 
the Cossacks are given a square meal, and 
loaded with geese and all manner of things 
good to eat, for the Bulgarians recognize them 
as friends. It is not long before they look 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


295 


something like Sherman's bummers in their 
raid through Georgia. 

Thus the day wears on, and they are now 
upon the Sophia plain, heading for the town 
of that name, which is held by the Turkish 
forces; not that the Cossacks expect to take 
the place, that being left to Gourka and his 
main force. The3^ merely reconnoitering 
and feeling the enemy’s pulse, giving him some- 
thing to worry about. 

That night they spend in and around a 
village not ten miles from Sophia. With some 
of the officers Colonel Paul secures accommo- 
dations at the public inn, known as a mehana, 
though he really would have preferred a cheery 
camp lire and a blanket in the lee of it. 

These taverns in Bulgaria or Turkey are 
singular places to foreign eyes, and have no 
comparison in our country. The food is poor, 
and the raid, or native brandy, wretched 
enough to give the hardest drinker a blinding 
headache. 

As a howling snowstorm comes up during 
the night, the shelter of the tavern roof does 
not j)rove amiss after all, and John, as he rolls 
over in his queer, shelf-like bunk, with his own 
blanket wrapped around him, does not feel 
badly over his situation. 

The storm is shortlived, and with the com- 
ing of morning the v are on the road again. 


296 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


an earU^ breakfast satisfying the inner man. 
Indeed, the Cossaek mueh resembles our 
Indian, and ean travel and fight for daj^s 
without food, save some dried pemmiean he 
ma3^ earr3^ in his poeket. 

Turks begin to appear again. Here and 
there small detaehments are seen. They fire a 
few shots at a distanee and then vanish, but 
eaeh time it appears as though their force is 
augmented. Soon there will be a brisk engage- 
ment, and the wild Cossacks may have an 
opportunit}^ to show what they can do in the 
wa\^ of general fighting. 

On the hillsides are seen Mohammedan ceme- 
teries, looking doubly mournful and dreary in 
the Avinter time. The towns and Aullages pre- 
sent an appearance but one remoA^e better, and 
3'et there is some cheer to be found there. 

Little does Colonel Paid imagine how CA^ents 
are cr3^stalizing about him to shape his destin3A 
He has no premonition of the strange succes- 
sion of things that even now are in the course 
of ha.ppening, and \Adiich in the end will bring 
al)Out a climax in his affairs, yet some hidden 
power AA'orks back of the throne, an unseen, 
insidious and pOAA^erful agent, such as the yeast 
that leavens the bread. 

About two o’clock on this day, with the 
glass a sight is discovered that gives them all 
quite a sensation. Down in the little vallcAq at 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


297 


the base of the gentle slope they are descend- 
ing, they see a Turkish wagon train of provi- 
sions and ammunition moving slowly along. 

It is convoyed by a regiment of TcherkesseSy 
— Caucasian cavalry in the employ of the 
sultan, — and whose numbers about equal 
the Cossacks. The sight stirs up the Cossacks ; 
here are foemen worthy of their metal. If they 
can capture or destroy this train, what glory 
it will be. 

Orders are hastily given, and away they 
dash. Colonel Patil is in the midst; he could 
not fall out if he would, and most certainly 
would not if he could, for war is a pastime 
with him. 

Nor do th^ Turkish cavalrymen seem to be 
loth to have an encounter. They have known 
of the Cossacks’ presence in the vicinity for 
some time, and are well prepared to give 
battle. 

It is the general wa3^ with Cossacks to 
pounce upon some weak spot in the enemy’s 
line, give a sudden and vigorous blow, after 
which they are riding madly to another 
quarter, doing all the damage they can and 
losing as few men as possible. 

They sometimes meet their match, and when 
this turns out to be the case are shrewd enough 
to simply ‘Teel” the enemy and run. 


298 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


As the Russian cavalry strike the Tcherkesses 
the picture is well worthy of production at the 
hands of a war artist, the opposing forces pre- 
sent such a decided contrast with their odd 
costumes. On come the Cossacks, shouting 
and waving their arms. Some carry the 
repeating carbine, while not a few depend 
upon the curved sword, which gleams in the 
light. Their appearance is certainly enough in 
itself to inspire alarm. 

Steadily the opposing cavalrymen ride out 
to meet them. They seem to have no fear as 
to the result. Shots are exchanged and men 
on both sides go down to do battle no more. 

The closer the opposing forces draw the 
more deadly becomes this scattering fire, but it 
does not stop the mad assault one iota. 

Soon the Cossacks reach the line. They 
come with the force of a thunderbolt, and 
nothing can withstand their rush. Now they 
are among their enemies, both parties hitting 
hard and inflicting all the damage they possibly 
can. 

It is a skirmish no longer but a battle royal, ' 
where deadly wounds are given and received, 
and where men fight as though possessed of 
demons. 

While it lasts this is perhaps one of the 
toughest side struggles that follow the Plevna 
capture. If beaten twenty times and brought 


I'HE Colonel by brevet. 


^99 


to toe the scrateh again, the Ttirhs would 
probably fight just as madly as ever; it is their 
way. 

The train is what exeites the marauders; 
they desire to destroy it or else secure the 
plunder. With this nest around them it is 
indeed a difficult thing to even attempt, much 
less execute, but orders have been given before- 
hand. While the main body engages the 
Turkish cavalry, and gives them all they can 
attend to, a select bod 3^ of the Cossacks push 
for the train itself. 

The teamsters are not ready to fight. It 
does not matter particularly to them which 
way the affair goes. Of course the3^ prefer the 
Turkish cavalry to win, but it soon becomes 
evident that this can hardly be, since the 
Russians ride so lightly and sweep all before 
them. 

Now it is that John Paul speculates upon 
the small things that make ujd a battle. It 
does not take much to turn the scales; one 
man may make a luck3" move, the rest jump in 
and follow like a flock of sheep, when the 
enemy closes around; but the medicine has 
already been given and soon works. Uneasi- 
ness becomes alarm, and a panic ensues. 

It must not be supposed that Colonel Paul 
is a dreamer in battle — not he. His good arm 


300 ME COLONEL EY BEEvfel'. 

is doing gallant service, and where the fight is 
thickest there he may be found. 

He does not quite understand this Cossack 
way of striking and running away. The 
wagons have been blown up with bombs, and 
as much destruction effected as is possible in 
such a short time. Now comes the strategy of 
these light riders, who have been careful to 
keep in squads and remain upon the outskirts 
of the struggling mass when possible. 

They hear a signal, and retreat, fighting, 
circling, and seeming as reckless as ever. Alas ! 
for John, he has gotten into a position where 
retreat is a question of doubt. Accustomed to 
another method of fighting, he has supposed 
they are in it for keeps, and that the enemy 
must be destroyed or else the Cossacks go 
under. 

The snap of a nagajka and the wild cries of 
the Russian riders warn him that a new sys- 
tem of tactics has been brought into play ; he 
looks around him and sees a host of enemies 
on every side, for the Tcherkesses are bold 
fighters, and push after their retreating foes, 
having no longer a provision train to defend, 
since each wagon has succumbed to a dynamite 
bomb. 

Colonel Paul realizes his extreme peril, and 
proceeds to hew his way out of that trap. It 
is not the first time this man has found himself 


THE COLONEL BY^'BREYET. 


301 


in something of the same predicament, and cut 
a way to freedom. 

He spurs his horse and guides the animal 
with his knees, as the bridle rein lies loosel^^ on 
the neck of the steed ; one hand clutches a 
revolver, while the other holds a swinging 
sword, with which he hews and hacks and 
thrusts, to the right and to the left, with a 
resolution and fury that is bewildering. 

They close still more densely around this 
intrepid warrior; such bravery commands the 
admiration and respect of even bitter foes, 
but this is no reason why thej^ should allow 
him to continue the slaughter in their ranks. 

He fights like a hero, but the^^ manage to 
down his horse with a swinging stroke of the 
sabre, hamstringing the animal. Colonel 
Paul’s foot catches in the stirrup, and, 
wounded as he is, he goes down with his 
horse, one leg caught under the animal. Even 
now his indomitable spirit fails to give in ; one 
chamber of his revolver is loaded, and, taking 
deliberate aim, he drops his last man. 

Some of the Turkish cavalrymen, maddened 
by his awful work in their midst, throw them- 
selves from their steeds and spring forward to 
end the life of the dashing American, now pros- 
trate. The first who reaches him carries out 
his idea in a singular manner, to say the least. 
Standing over the helpless American, who, in 


302 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


the act of fainting from the loss of blood, 
barely catches what follows, this officer oi 
the cavalr\anen motions back his comrades 
with the huge revolver he carries, and cries : 

“The man who lays a hand on him dies, 
dVe hear that? He’s my prisoner, sure. Be 
after the Cossack devils; they’ll give ye all the 
fun ye want, I reckon.” 

Heaven be praised ! It is the right man in 
the right place again ! 



CHAPTER V. 


FACE TO FACE IN THE TURKISH HOSPITAE. 

Then comes a period of tmconsciousness for 
John Paul, during which he knows nothing. 
He may be bundled on a horse and carried for 
miles, but certainly is not aware of the fact. 

When he opens his eyes he is lost in wonder. 
Where can he be ? Have the events of the last 
few days been an ugly dream ? He seems to 
be in bed ; there is silence around and a shaded 
light. Now he hears low voices, women’s 
voices, as though there were other oceupants. 
He has a half distinct memory of some one 
bending over him, dressing his wound. Can it 
be he is in a hospital? Who is his nurse? It 
gives him a queer feeling, but he believes it is 
Jeanie. 

Somehow, the thought arouses him; he is 
not weakened by days of lingering illness, only 
through loss of blood. Hence it is possible for 
him to raise himself to a half sitting position. 

What does he see? Rows of couches, each 
with an occupant, bandaged, and what 

803 


304 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


amazes him is the fact that all are Turks ; he 
sees no Russian faces, and even the draperies 
indicate oriental style. 

This surprises John again ; he cannot grasp 
the situation yet, and drops back with a groan 
which attracts attention, for someone bends 
over him, some one garbed in black, with a 
face that poor John has seen in his dreams 
these many da3^s back. 

‘‘Jeanie! ” he whispers. 

She nods her head and smiles. How care- 
worn her face has become since they left 
Vienna! This hospital life is telling on her 
sadly. 

His hand gropes around the clothes as if 
searching for something, and she clasps it in 
her own English palm; the touch soothes 
John as might balm from Gilead. 

“ Where am I ? ” he asks in a whisper. 

She bends her head to reply : 

“In the Turkish hospital in Sophia.’* 

“ How did I get here ? ” he persists. 

“You were in an engagement — an attack on 
a wagon train, and left behind by the Cos- 
sacks.” 

“ Yes — 3"es, I remember; a dozen were atme; 
I held out until my horse fell and caught me 
under him. Then I remember no more. Stay! 
Who was it stood over me? Some one kept 
the sabres of the Turks away; I heard a voice 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


305 


I knew well. Tell me, was it dear old 
Cortiey ? ” 

I suppose it must have been. An hour or 
so ago Mr. O’Shea came riding up holding you 
in his arms and demanding that you be cared 
for immediately. As he is a man of authorit}^ 
here, his orders are law. After you had been 
placed upon this cot I v/as assigned to look 
after you. 

‘‘Then it was mere accident that made you 
my nurse? ” he asks, and she nods her head. 

“But how came you in Sophia, when I left 
you in the Russian camp ? ” 

“There was a call for nurses, and a party of 
us decided to come. We are well taken care 
of. The Turks are gentlemen, at least. Now 
you mtist stop talking for the present,” witli 
a spice of authority that pleases the patient 
immensely. 

“One question more — am I badly wounded, 
and apt to be kept here any length of time? ” 
and as he looks straight into her starry eyes 
his tone implies that he would not care if he 
has to remain in the Turkish hospital for ages , 
so long as she hovers near to watch over him. 

Lady Jeanie controls her features in a 
remarkable manner, and answers quietly: 

“You will probably be all right in a few 
days, though hardly able to run, since the 
horse, falling on you, wrenched your limb 


306 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


somewhat. Your wound is in your left arm; 
it has bled a good deal, but there is nothing 
dangerous about it, and we have done all that 
our limited means allow.’’ 

Saying which she turns and is gone. 

John lies there collecting his thoughts, and 
truly he has much to ponder over if any man 
could have. So he is wounded and a prisoner 
in Sophia, which Gourka will be bombarding 
most likely within a few da3^s, when he forms 
his lines on the southern side of the bleak 
Balkans. 

The room seems fairly comfortable, and a 
hospital couch is not a bad bed when one has 
such a nurse to wait upon him. John despairs 
no longer, for a rosy hope has risen in his 
heart. Even with that grim specter. Sister 
Therese, before his eyes, he hopes to win. 

And it was Corney who saved him ! God 
bless the dear old chap ! It warms John’s very 
heart to even think of O’Shea. 

He considers his position and thinks of a 
score of things. Somehow, the ogre of Sister 
Therese does not appear to worry him greatly ; 
perhaps he has already arranged a plan as to 
how he may explain away that specter to 
Jeanie. 

Again his thoughts go wandering; he closes 
his eyes ; there is a heavy odor in the atmos- 
phere that seems to induce sleep, and save in 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


307 


dreams the American colonel knows no more. 

Hours pass ere his senses return, and then, 
strange to say, it is a human voice that brings 
him back ; a voice that he last heard on that 
night when the train was stalled, wildly 
shouting: ‘‘You are crazy, man, to leave the 
train, it is your only hope. Bring her back ! 

Unconsciously John half raises himself, and 
his good right hand doubles up into a fist that 
can hold its own with most men; whether he 
has heard that voice in dreams or reality, it 
acts upon him as the red flag of a chulo might 
on a bull in the Spanish ring. 

“I have only praise for your arrangements, 
Pasha. The hospital is superb from end to 
end, considering your disadvantages. I shall 
report it as such,” comes this voice from a 
point not ten feet awa3^ What matters it 
that the words themselves are spoken in 
French ? It is the voice John remembers, and he 
feels sure he would recognize the hated tones 
were the language Choctaw or Sanscrit. 

It is Lord Elmer Crawford ! 

Instantly John associates his presence here 
with that of Lady Jeanie; it matters not 
what pretense the British nobleman may give 
for his coming, this must be the real reason, 
and John’s blood is on fire at the thought that 
in a Turkish town the scheming lord may 


308 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


accomplisli what lie found impossible inside the 
Russian camps. 

He hears the i)asha reply, and then the voices 
seem to move away ; had they approached and 
the man he hates bent over his couch John 
believes he must have endeavored to throttle 
him. It has always been his policy to tread on 
£i snake. 

When they are gone he sinks back on his 
pillow, growling at the hard fate that keeps 
him there, a wounded prisoner, while such a 
dangerous man is at large and evidentl3^ an 
honored guest in Sophia. The drapery near 
his couch moves and a man’s figure bends over 
him. 

‘^Bedad, this time we’ll more than scotch 
the varmint, me bo^^; we’ll murdher him, so 
we will,” breathes a voice in his ear, the cheer- 
iest voice in all the world, for it belongs to his 
best friend. 

How eagerly his good right hand seeks that 
of the O’Shea, and what warmth there is in 
the hearty clasp these two men exchange. 

Comrades on many a hunt, when misery and 
perhaps death stared them in the face, these 
two men are bound together by ties closer 
than blood. 

^‘You saw the villain, Corney?” asks John, 
as though there is only one such on earth. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


309 


‘'Well, I did now, and ’twas meself that hid 
behind the drapery, sure,’’ replies the war cor- 
respondent, special artist, diplomat and field 
officer, besides Heaven alone knows what 
else. 

“I left him in the Russian camp.” 

“But he didn’t stay there any more than 
yourself, it seems. Colonel, dear.” 

“ Corney, what does he want here? ” 

“Well, I imagine, he’s been sent by some 
English commission to look after the hospitals. 
Perhaps he has an interest in the welfare of 
the nurses,” with something of a grin on his 
face. 

“In one nurse in particular, you mean,” 
groans the man upon the couch. 

“Ah ! ye’ve seen her ? ” 

“She waits upon me.” 

Corney chuckles and rubs his hands 
together. 

“It’ll be all right,” he says, confidently. 

“I wish you were a prophet, old man,” 
returns the colonel, with a lugubrious look. 

“Let’s hope it may prove to be so, me boy. 
Do you mend as speedily as possible, for d’ye 
understand, if Lord Elmer means mischief 
ye’d be no good fastened down on this bed.” 

“Yes, yes ; and you, my friend ? ” 

“I’ll keep an eye on the grand rascal ; I’ll 
dog his steps and learn his plans ; I’ll — Good 


310 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Heavens, Colonel, I think it’s throttling him 
I’ll be after doing if the worst eonies to' pass,” 
with sudden fervor. 

‘^Bravo! Shake hands on it,” and to see 
how the eolonel grasps Corney’s honest palm 
and widngs it one would hardly eall him a sick 
man. 

“Feeling better alread^^ ? ” 

“A thousand per cent,” returns John, who 
imagines he sees a gleam of light ahead. 

If the Irishman would only choke Lord 
Elmer, how happy he would be — not Lord 
Elmer, of course, but plain John Paul. That 
would put all danger aside, and he could take 
his own time in making his peace with Jeanie. 

He does not care to tell Corney the latest 
development in the affair, allowing his friend 
to believe that the coldness Jeanie shows 
toward him arises from some other cause 
which can be swept away. 

The\^ talk on in low tones. The hospital is 
quiet no longer, since the cries of some poor 
wretch at one end can be heard. Perhaps the 
Turkish surgeons, barbarians in their way, 
are sawing his leg off without chloroforming 
him. 

These are familiar sounds to both soldiers, 
and cause them no unpleasant feelings. 
Indeed, the place is much more comfortable 
than John ever supposed a Turkish hospital 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


311 


could be, and he lays much of this to the fact 
that women are here — English women, who 
serve as nurses because of their religion. 

So Corney leaves him at last, and he lies 
back at his ease, his mind being more capable 
of grasping the situation. As he ponders over 
it he recognizes the force of Corney’s injunc- 
tions. If matters come to a crisis what good 
can he accomplish Ijdng upon that hospital 
cot? The one thing he must do above all 
others is to get well enough to be about. 

Corney has promised that he will see that 
the colonel is released on his parole, giving his 
word that he will not attempt to escape, so 
that once he is able to be on his feet he can 
have liberty — at least the freedom of Sophia. 

Almost any day he may expect to hear the 
sullen throb of brave Gourka’s guns in the dis- 
tance, telling that the Turks are being driven 
into the city, which is hardly in condition for a 
siege, and must be speedily deserted by the 
sultan’s troops. 

The day draws near its close. 

Will Jeanie come again? Perhaps, Oh, hor- 
rors ! she may send Sister Therese in her stead. 
Well, John does not know that he can offer 
any objection, since it may give him the desired 
opportunity for an explanation with — his 
wife! 


312 tHE COLONEL BY BREVET. 

Lights appear; at any rate they do not mean 
the sufferers shall rest in darkness. Then 
comes his supper, a light repast, but to John it 
appears a very elixir, because it is Jeanie’s 
hands which have prepared it — those dear 
hands which he would so much like to kiss. 

She makes him comfortable, and cuts his 
food up so that he may feed himself with his 
right arm, which, John is thankful to find, is in 
perfect condition. Who can tell what may 
depend on that good arm in the near future ? 

They make a pretty picture, she in her black 
robe, with her fair hair in such contrast, he so 
swarthy from constant exposure to the ele- 
ments. For the hour they seem to forget the 
gulf between, and talk upon various subjects. 
John knows how to converse well, and he 
chuckles, sly dog that he is, to see the anima- 
tion upon her face as she hangs upon his 
words. All the while he is reading her heart 
through her eyes, and saying to himself : 

“She loves me, I will wager my life on it. 
Surely this black cloud can be dissipated when 
I am in a position to face my accuser and 
prove my innocence. Meanwhile, my policy 
must be to wait, and bide my time; but that 
doesn’t prevent me from making her care a lit- 
tle more for me, the wretch ! ” 

It is upon this picture, then, that the serpent 
in Eden happens. Attendants are constantly 


^HE COLONEL BY BREYE'l'. 


313 


passing, and the two pay little notice. With- 
out warning it conies. 

“ Can 1 believe my e\"es ? Is it possible I see 
Lady Jeanie here in Sophia ? This is a pleasure 
I never expected when I accepted the commis- 
sion to examine the hospitals of the Turkish 
forces in the interest of Great Britain. My 
dear Lady Jeanie, permit me to say I am more 
than pleased to see 3^011 at the noble work to 
which you have so generotisl^^ devoted your 
life,’’ and who should step up but Lord Elmer. 

He does not notice John as yet, for his ei’^es 
are wholly upon the sweet face of the girl, 
who, however, receives him very coldly. 

am surprised to see 3^ou, Lord Elmer,” 
giving him the tips of her fingers. 

‘‘Yes; you see I heard you — I mean I was 
pressed to take this duty by the home govern- 
ment, having had considerable experience in 
the hospitals during the Eranco-Prussian 
war,” he says, softly. 

“I believe you were shut up in Paris during 
the siege; you have told me about it.” 

“It is true, and a beastl3^ time we had of it, 
too. But in my mind nothing is nicer than to 
see a young English lady, reared in luxuiw as 
you have been, sacrificing all comfort because 
she deems it her duty to render aid to the 
afflicted.” 


314 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


He belieYes a little flattery well put in may 
prove like the oil that renders the passage ol 
the saw the easier. Lord Blnier is no fool. 
John has never believed him that, but a smart, 
wide awake, unscrupulous Briton, a gentleman 
among his acquaintances, a gambler and a 
roue with those who know him best. 

Of course Lady Jeanie does not know his 
worst side; he is in love with her, and that 
excuses him in a measure; for that she can for- 
give much. He is good looking, well educated 
and a Briton. Perhaps the last counts for 
more than all else with her. 

At any rate she smiles a little, and answers 
him lightly, at which he takes courage and 
goes on still further. 

His back is toward John, but if looks could 
kill, it is a wonder Lord Elmer does not drop 
in his traeks,for the wounded colonel glares at 
him in a way more t3qDical of the jungle tiger. 

“Pardon me, Lkdy Jeanie, but without 
meaning to be rude I must tell you that I 
really envy these happy Turks here. They 
have an angel to wait on them,” — seeing a 
frown on her faee, he hastens to add, — “ a num- 
ber of angels, as it were. Should the fortune 
of war ever deeree that I should be laid on a 
stretcher and brought to the hospital, I would 
ask for nothing better than that you might be 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


315 


near by. Tell me, Lady Jeanie, would you 
nurse a poor devil of a fellow eountryman? 

There is an eager strain in his voiee that 
makes the man on the couch grit his teeth 
until the sound is almost audible, while the 
fingers of his wounded hand— his other holds 
him up on his elbow — twitch convulsively, as 
though anxious to fasten upon a certain 
be whiskered neck. 

‘‘It would be my duty, I suppose, if I were 
assigned to the ward,” replies the girl, calmly. 

“Your duty. Lady Jeanie, just as it is such 
to minister to the wants of these wretched 
Turks. I thought perhaps you might take 
more pleasure in attending to an Englishman. 
However, cruel though you may be, I tell you 
candidly I would be willing at this very 
moment to take the place of this Turk here 
whom you have waited upon.” 

As he speaks Lord Elmer turns to throw a 
contemptuous glance toward her patient ; for 
the first time he sees who it is, and over his 
face sweeps a look of mingled surprise, fear and 
anger, a look that well expresses the feelings 
of his heart, for, realizing what a thump fate 
has dealt him, he staggers under the blow, 
glowering at John. 

That worthy, propping himself up in bed upon 
liis well arm, returns him look for look; there 
is no secret in their hatred for each other. 


316 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


The Englishman stands there for perhaps 
half a minute in this strained attitude. 

“So it’s you, is it?” he finally grates between 
his teeth, and John cheerily replies: 

“Yes, it’s me. Lord Elmer, a trifle hurt, but 
about as well able to take care of Number One 
as on the night the train was stalled by your 
orders ! ” 


CHAPTER YI. 

THE SACKING OF THE BULGARIAN CAPITAL. 

Lady Jeanie, with her womanly instinct, 
sees there is clanger in the air. Here are two 
men, both of whom profess to love her, facing 
each other like wolves. True, for different and 
various reasons she at present cannot favor 
the suit of either, but that is not to the point. 
They look as though they might leap at each 
other^s throat if they forget the presence of a 
lady. 

“I believe you gentlemen have met before.’^ 
It is the first thing she thinks of, though per- 
haps not the bcvSt that could be said. 

John smiles in a queer way. 

‘^Yes, we are acquainted, Lady Jeanie, 
though Lord Elmer’s tastes and mine have 
never run in the same channel but once” with 
a meaning look that the Englishman cannot 
mistake. 


ai7 


'318 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“I little expected to find you here, Colonel 
Paul. Perhaps that explains — ” stopping 
short, with a glance toward the nurse, who 
turns rosy red. 

‘‘No such luck, milord. IVe only been here 
a few hours — was nabbed while riding with 
the Cossacks when they demolished the wagon 
train. That was unlucky. They brought me 
here because I have a friend in the Turkish 
service, high in the regard of the powers that 
be, and some strange fate threw me in the way 
of Lady Jeanie. That was the lucky part 
of it.” 

He vouchsafes this explanation because he 
would save the English girl any mortification ; 
oiiH for that not a word would he have 
spoken to this man whom he looks upon as a 
reptile because he, too, desires to win Lady' 
Jeanie— he the gambler and roue, whose hands 
have been blackened with many a contempt- 
ible sin. 

She throws him a grateful look that amply 
repays John for all that his effort cost him. 
Lord Elmer has little desire to remain now. 
The presence, in the Sophia hospital, of the 
man he believes to be his successful rival, puts 
a new phase upon the matter, and he appears 
uneasy in facing him. 

John can read him like a book. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


319 


“ My being here is a stumbling bloek in the 
way of his plans, the raseal. I ean see it in 
his faee. He bothers his head, wondering what 
he shall do next,’^ he thinks. 

Then the Englishman is gone; he bows to 
Lady Jeanie, but does not notiee John, which 
scurvy act of smallness causes that worthy to 
smile. 

“ I never knew Lord Elmer to be so rude. It 
is plainly evident he does not love me,” he 
muses half aloud, at which his nurse gives him 
a queer look and then laughs. 

“It strikes me you two gentlemen cherish 
about the same brotherl3Teeling for each other 
that might animate a couple of Fiji Islanders,” 
she remarks. 

“Ah ! Lady Jeanie, Corne\^ expresses it better 
than that with the old rhyme which runs like 
this : 

“ ‘There was wanst two cats in Kilkenny, 

An’ aich tought there was wan cat too many. 
So they fought an’ they fit, 

An’ they gouged an’ they bit, 

Till, save the ends av their nails 
An’ the tips av their tails. 

There was ne’er a cat left in Kilkenny.’ ” 

“It’s an awful thing to hate. Colonel Paul.” 

“I know it. Lady Jeanie. You see we don’t 
really hate each other, but there’s a sort of 
natural animosity existing between us. In 
most things, what he likes I detest, and doubt- 


320 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


less the same rule applies with him. In a word 
we were born to be ^antagonistic.’^ 

“Let us speak of a more pleasant subject 
than Lord Elmer can ever be to me,” she says, 
quickl3^ as though they approach a delicate 
point; but John is not so easily put off. 

“In a minute. Lady Jeanie, after I have 
given you warning again. Believe me, I have 
your good at heart in speaking of this. That 
man docs not come to Sophia by accident; 
there is a deep design back of his action, and 
that is nothing more or less than the posses- 
sion of 3^ourself. You remember what hap- 
pened in the past ? The man who bribed a 
whole regiment of mutineer soldiers to attack 
a train, in order that he might play the hero, 
is not to be easily balked when he has a 
cherished object in view. I know Lord Elmer 
Crawford; the notoriety of his exploits in the 
past has not been hidden under a bushel. He 
will endeavor to accomplish his purpose even 
though he has to set Sophia on fire to do it.” 

His earnestness shows her what an interest 
he has in her welfare; she cannot but feel that 
this man, whom she has been warned she must 
not love, is passionately devoted to her. 

“You have talked too much already. Colonel 
Paul. As your nurse I order you to lie down 
and remain quiet. Others demand my atten- 
tion,” she says. 


THE COEONEL BY BREVET. 


321 


He submits because he cannot do otherwise; 
but, selfish as all lovers are, he grumbles to 
himself after she has gone, and wonders why 
she feels it her duty to wait upon these miser- 
able Turks. 

That is not like John Paul, unselfish by 
nature and always ready to share his last 
crust with any one who might happen along — 
growling' because there are other wounded 
soldiers who demand the care she has .been 
bestowing on him. 

Gradually he gets the better of this feeling, 
and seems more natural. Then he allows his 
mind to look ahead, wondering what manner 
of great scheme Lord Elmer may have in view, 
and how Corney O’Shea may outwit him. 

The noise in the hospital becomes abuzz, and 
this grows fainter, like sounds retreating in the 
distance. Then Colonel Paul sleeps. 

Several times during the night he awakens, 
and turning over goes to sleep again, for his 
position is very comfortable there, and he 
resolutely refuses to think of any serious mat- 
ter, knowing the folly of arousing his mind at 
such a time. 

Morning at last. 

He looks for his gentle nurse and is terribly 
disappointed when another comes. Inquiries 

develop the fact that Sister [eanie ha^ others 
21 


322 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


to look after, and may come later, with which 
he has to rest content. 

She does come, before noon. He has grown 
weary waiting for her, and the way in which 
his face brightens up when he sees Jeanie 
approaching gives her uneasiness, believing as 
she does that he has no right to care for her — 
that his affection should be bestowed upon 
sweet Sister Therese — his wife ! 

Thus a day goes b3^ She yields to his plea, 
and waits upon him at meal times, for which 
he declares he will get well the sooner and 
relieve them all of his presence. 

With each coming of sunset John Paul earn- 
estly thanks Heaven another day is done, and 
that the bolt has not yet descended. He feels 
stronger on the second da^^ and when the 
third night sets in tells Corney, who visits him, 
that he believes in another day he can be up. 
Of course he may be a little weak, but that 
will soon pass away^ though his limb is pain- 
ful and must cause him to limp for a time. 
Thanks to his splendid constitution and his 
regular habits he has come out of this scrape 
easily. It might have been the death of some 
hard drinkers among his acquaintances, so 
O’Shea says. 

John eagerly asks for news, and as he is now 
a prisoner on parole, through Corney ’s influ- 
ence at headquarters, who tells his superiors 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


323 


how Colonel Paul saved the powder boat 
from falling into the hands of the Russian 
bravos who were concealed on board, wisely 
refraining from also relating that it was the 
same man who later on seized the Turkish 
captain and prevented him from blowing up 
the craft, the Irishman does not hesitate to 
tell him what he knows. 

There is not a great deal to tell, but he has 
reason to believe the Russian army must be 
drawing near Sophia, since the Turks are in a 
very excited frame of mind and make many 
strategical moves. 

Hence it is the prisoner ma}^ expect to hear 
the heavy booming of Muscovite cannon or 
the rattle of small arms at almost any time. 
He has hopes that the coming of the Russian 
host will prevent the scheming Lord Elmer 
from attempting the desperate game upon 
which he is engaged. 

Corney knows more than he has yet seen fit 
to tell. He waits until they are more nearly 
alone, and then in low tones, and with as lit- 
tle dramatic force as he can use, relates all. 

It is startling news, and yet nothing more 
than the colonel has expected. He even gives 
a big sigh of relief to think that he now knows 
the worst. This groping in the dark and beat- 
ing about the bushes is something he has little 
relish for. 


324 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


He likens it to seeing an enemy deploy out of 
the underbrush ; they can be counted now, and 
every movement watched. 

So instead of being despondent, he shows 
unusual animation, questions Corney eagerly, 
and then brings about a. discussion as to their 
best way of meeting the difficulty. 

All of which goes to show that Richard is 
himself again, and that Colonel Paul means 
to beat the scheming Briton at his own game. 

When they part, the last words of the 
American indicate that much has been set- 
tled. 

“I will be there, Corney, depend on it, unless 
the heavens fall. You have not forgotten 
what you spoke about ? 

My revolver — sure, it’s under your pillow 
this blessed minute. And ye can depend on 
it. Colonel ; where ye aim there it goes.’^ 

‘‘Ah! a thousand thanks, old boy. Some 
day when we are well out of this scrape — ” 

“Bedad, I’ll dance at your wedding, so I 
will,” laughs Corney, moving off. 

“The deuce you will! ” mutters the invalid, 
settling himself for his last night’s sleep in the 
Sophia military hospital, “not unless thebride 
is Lady Jeanie, that’s dead sure. But we’ll see 
what another day may bring forth, and 
whether my lucky star or Lord Elmer’s is in 
the ascendant.” 


IrllE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


325 


So the colonel, after making sure the revolver 
Corney bequeathed to him is in its place, phil- 
osophically^ turns over and wills to sleep, and 
in five minutes he is in the land of dreams. 

How long he has slept he does not know; 
when he awakens it is to hear a far away but 
distinct sound, which as a soldier he knows full 
well — the heavy booming of cannon some miles 
off. Plainly Gourka is nearing Sophia. John 
chuckles softly, listens for a few minutes, 
heaves a sigh to think he cannot be there, and, 
turning over, goes to sleep once more; such is 
the power of his will over his body. 

Nor does he awaken until dawn, though the 
cannonading has grown heavier, and sounds 
of the wildest confusion can be heard continu- 
ally upon the streets of old Sophia. 

There can be no doubt regarding the matter 
at the time Colonel Paul awakens, for even in 
the hospital signs of excitement are seen. As 
the wounded are all Turks, with the exception 
of John, their solicitude is natural, for they^ do 
not know what will become of them when 
their hated foes occupy the city. 

Under ordinary circumstances John would 
do well to remain just where he is. As a 
wounded prisoner the Turks would not think 
to take him along, and hence he must of neces- 
sity fall into the hands of his friends. 


326 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


There is reason, however, wh^’^ he desires to 
leave the hospital very soon, and this comes in 
the shape of a conviction that Lord Elmer 
means to accomplish his purpose shorth\ 
John does not consider his own personal safet3^ 
when the question of duty arises. 

He has made all arrangements with a male 
nurse, and upon stepping into a curtained 
recess near his couch finds his clothes, into 
which he struggles. By the time he is dressed 
he is glad to sit down again, feeling a trifle 
weak. Then the thought of Jeanie gives him 
new energy and spurs him on to accomplish 
wonders. 

After this he manages to secure the revolver 
which the kindness of Corney.gave over, and, 
strange though it may seem, the possession ol 
this weapon gives him new courage; it is as 
though he ma3^ now^ defy fate. This is the 
peculiar result of having been laid up and help- 
less for several days. 

It is about time for Sister Jeanie to appear. 
For the last two mornings she has come early 
and greeted him before starting to see about 
his breakfast. 

He looks for her in vain. Several black robed 
Sisters of the Red Cross have arrived, but the 
one he desires to see is not among them. This 
gives the colonel a pang. Can the thunderbolt 
have already fallen ? While he slept, amid the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


327 


warlike demonstrations of tlie night, has Lord 
Elmer been at work ? 

He grows exceedingly nervous. Another 
nurse brings him some breakfast. He has no 
appetite, but knows he must eat, for he needs 
strength in order to set about the work of the 
day. 

Questioning the Sister does no good ; she has 
seen nothing of Jeanie since the preceding day. 
All John can do is to possess his soul in patience 
and wait. 

Joy! Just as he finishes his meal, seated on 
his cot, he hears a quick step, and, looking up, 
sees Corney O’Shea. Never was royal messen- 
ger received more gladly than is this good fel- 
low. 

John quickly takes the alarm too, for he 
notes a serious look, one of concern, upon the 
face of the man he calls friend. 

With great satisfaction he holds out his hand 
and squeezes that of his comrade. 

‘‘You are appearing quite natural, John, all 
but the arm you carry in a sling. How do you 
feel?” 

“Very anxious,” replies the colonel. 

“ I mean with regard to 3^our strength ? ” 

“That is very fair; much better than I had 
even indulged a hope, and growing with each 
minute. Don’t worry about me, Corney; tell 
me what you know about /zer,” for he sees by 


328 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


the look on the face ol the Irishman that the 
other has news of some importance to com- 
municate. 

“We might as well be getting out of this. 
Too many curious ears around. Besides, min- 
utes count just at present,’’ remarks the new- 
comer. 

John is ready and has been so for some time. 
He now eagerly jumps to his feet, and gives a 
groan as his injured leg twinges hinr. 

“ Confusion take it! I forget I’m still acrip- 
ple. However, lead on ; I’m all right now,” he 
says, stepping upon the lame leg gamely, with 
the thought that he can endure this and much 
more for the sake of the dear girl he loves. 

“I’ll do better — put your arm turough mine, 
dear boy, and don’t be afraid to lean on me if 
the occasion warrants it,” remarks Corney. 

What a blessing is a friend in the hour of 
need ! John does not know how he could have 
gotten along without this man. His heart 
goes out to him with a fullness he cannot put 
into words. But for Corney he must have 
been killed ; on more than one occasion he has 
stood between John and the grim monster. 

So they leave the hospital, and no one 
attempts to delay them. Indeed, outside the 
wounded Turks, John looks in vain for a speci- 
men of the sultan’s forces. During the night 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


329 


they have certainly evactiated the place, and 
the Russians are free to enter in. 

This is good news in one way to the colonel, 
but it does not free his mind at all. At just 
such a time as this a man like Lord Elmer 
Crawford would choose to carry out some 
startling plan of campaign, for the city is in a 
turmoil, and no one would be apt to notice the 
cries for help which Lady Jeanie might give 
utterance to. 

After the flight of the Turks, their oppress- 
ors, the native Bulgarians have been seized 
with a sudden boldness such as they have not 
exhibited lo, these many days. Nearly all the 
shopkeepers in Sophia have been Turks, and as 
these worthies are either in flight or in hiding, 
they have left their wares at the mercy of the 
excited populace. 

At the time Colonel Paul and Corney sally 
forth from the military hospital, the streets 
present a strange appearance ; excited 
Bulgarians rush hither and yon bearing all 
manner of spoils ; here comes a man with a 
rich oriental rug over his shoulder^ another 
carries a package of antiques, while even 
women, wearing the andyas/^makcanbe 

seen with spoils in their arms, such is the spirit 
of greed that has come over all. They have 
been held in subjection so long that with this 
hour liberty means license. 


330 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


John pays little heed to the wild screams 
around him ; he notes that Corney is no longer 
garbed in his half Turkish dress, but presents 
the appearance of a gentleman. This is fort- 
unate; the Irishman has shown his long head 
again, for at this hour to be in sympathy with 
the Turkish cause is to draw down the ire of 
the populace. 

As they hurry along, Corney talks, and 
manages to get certain facts into the head of 
his companion, who feels less like an invalid 
the more he hears about the danger of the 
girl whom he loves. 

That good right arm of his is in prime con- 
dition, and he only awaits the opportunity to 
use it in the right cause. When that moment 
arrives, it will be a sad one for the man at the 
other end of the line. 

Sophia is in an uproar; Sophia is about to 
change masters, and such an event happens 
only once in many centuries. Founded by the 
Byzantine Emperor Constantine in the sixth 
century, captured by the Bulgarians and made 
their capital in the ninth century, conquered 
by the Turks in 1382 and held under their con- 
trol almost five hundred years, no wonder 
Sophia is aroused when the last Turk shakes 
the dust of the town from his feet and flies 
toward the Bosphorus; no wonder the 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


331 


Bulgarians are wild with joy and ready to 
greet the Russians with hosannas. 

It will be a blessed thing if they are saved 
from some great eatastrophe, for at sueh a 
time misereants generally endeavor to fire a 
town in order to pillage more openly. Moscow 
was not burned by Napoleon’s orders. It 
proved very nearl^^ his destruction. 

So, amid this singular scene, with the streets 
full of laden people hastening home with their 
plunder before the Russians come, and the 
thunder of Muscovite guns not far away, our 
two friends move on. 

The closing scene of their game is near at 
hand, when one side or the other must tri- 
umph, and if right is might there can only be 
one end of the drama — they must win. John 
is a winning character at all times ; fortune 
favors him, and he has that impulsive way 
about him that usually commands success. 
Judging from his looks now he is well on the 
road, and means to outwit Lord Elmer unless 
the heavens fall. 

‘‘We draw near,” says Comey, almost gasp- 
ing for breath, so rapid has been their advance, 
“ and I reckon in five minutes more to give the 
arch plotter a neat bit of surprise, sure. Look 
beyond! ” 


CHAPTER VII. 


BEWARE OF THE BRITISH EION WHEN YOU PULL 
HIS TAIL. 

Before them rises a building that in some 
respects differs from the general run ol 
Bulgarian houses ; it is larger in size, perfectly 
square and plainly built. John imagines it has 
the appearance of a nunnery or cloister, but 
cannot imagine what such a building would 
be used for in this country, where the Greek 
church is the only power outside of 
Mohammedism . 

Undoubtedly it is this house that has been 
the object of Cornejo’s solicitude. He heads 
directly for it, and John follows blindly, will- 
ing to go anywhere so long as it is Corney 
who leads, Corney, the friend upon whom he 
can depend in any emergenc;^. 

Even here the streets of Sophia are swarming 
with the people who move about like ants 
upon a hill after a stick has stirred them up, 
every one filled with a burning desire to do 

333 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


333 


their Turkish oppressors as much damage as 
possible, and "exulting in the fact that ere 
three hours more have gone the Russians will 
be on hand. 

Paying little heed to those they meet, the 
Colonel and his comrade head directly for the 
main entrance. The door is shut, but this does 
not seem to give Corney uneasiness. Few 
doors there are in Sophia to-day that will not 
fly open to the touch, for is not this the day 
and hour when the yoke worn with meekness 
lo these many decades b3^ Bulgarians, will be 
thrown off, and the time of their existence as a 
nation begin? 

Corney opens the door and they pass beyond. 
A rather narrow hall way lies there, with a 
wall on either side. It is lighted from above, 
where glass allows the da3dight to enter. 

Closing the door softly, the Irishman catches 
hold of his companion’s arm, while he whispers 
in his ear: 

“Are ye ready, Colonel, dear? ” 

His action plainly indicates that he has a 
surprise- in store for John, a surprise that may 
cause that worthy not a little amazement. Of 
course the colonel replies in the affirmative; he 
has been ready all the while, and does not see 
that Corney ’s real motive is to gisre him a 
little breathing spell after his exertions in 
hastening through the streets of Sophia. 


334 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


“ One tiling you must remember,” continues 
his mentor, with the same tantalizing uncon- 
cern; he seems as cool as ice while John almost 
burns with impatience. 

‘‘What is that ? ” breathes the latter, his eyes 
looking ahead at the terminus of the passage 
where he has a glimpse of a court of some sort, 
of green palms and flowering shrubs. 

“You are a Colonel by the grace of the Czar, 
me boy, but Corney O’Shea is a general by the 
force of circumstances, ye know.” 

“This is no time for joking,” growls John,, 
who would, if he dared, push his comrade aside 
and hasten to what lies beyond. 

“Joking, is it, 3^esa3"? Surelnever was more 
serious in all me life. I want it distinctly 
understood, John, that I outrank ye on the 
present occasion, and ye’re under orders, ’’ 
returns Corney. 

“Oh! if that’s what yon mean, keep it up, 
my dear fellow. Tell me what to do and I’ll 
obe\^ Only for the love of Heaven let’s delay 
no longer. 

Corney chuckles to think what a fine soldier 
he has here, ready to obey and yet chafing 
under the restraint like a greenhorn. That is 
what comes of being a lover; a man’s reason is 
never the same. 

“Take out your revolver,” orders Corney. 

“Useless; I already have it in my hand.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


835 . 


“ Draw back the hammer.’^ 

“Done.’’ 

“ Hold your fire until I give the word. Now 
come along, and Heaven prosper us, I say.” 

They advance. 

The passage, as John has suspected, ends in 
a court, where a small fountain plays and 
flowers can be seen in abundance. Of course 
this is not Egypt or Algiers, and this court, 
fashioned after those seen in warmer countries, 
has to be covered with glass, for protection. 

Nevertheless, it is a pretty place. The square 
house evidently belongs to some Turk high in 
authority, who has perhaps skipped during 
the night and left everything for the incoming 
Russians. Perhaps ere another night-fall 
brave Gourka, the raider of the Balkans will 
be quartered under the oriental roof that has 
sheltered a pasha. 

It may be that this Turk, learning of the 
noble design on the part of the Red Cross 
Sisters to go to Sophia and nurse the wounded, 
has placed his spacious residence at their dis- 
posal. Such a thing would be quite natural, 
for surely the Turks must be grateful for the 
assistance of these noble women. 

One glance John gives the court, and that is 
all. The place under other circumstances 
might call for some admiration at his hands, 
as he has an eye for the beautiful ; but just at 


336 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


present John has thoughts for only one thing, 
and that is embodied in the name Jeanie Stock- 
ton. 

The woman he loves is in danger, and he is 
present to save her from the man he hates, the 
evil-eyed Briton who disgraces his name. 
There are so many chances of a slip that John 
is naturally very nervous, something quite 
foreign to his usual habits, and yet, as has 
been said before, when a man is in love he can 
hardly be held accountable for what he does 
that differs from his ordinary habits. 

It is not devoid of human presence, this 
lovely court in the Turk’s stately mansion. 
Even as our two friends advance they hear 
voices, and the ear of the lover is strained to 
catch the tones that must ever thrill him — the 
tones of his darling Jeanie — she who has 
awakened within him the power that has so 
long lain dormant, the power that is given to 
every honest man if he but cares to allow it 
freedom for growth. 

Instead, the first voice that reaches him is 
one he has had good reason to hate, a voice 
that grates on his ear and causes the coarser 
emotions to exhibit themselves. 

At any rate Lord Elmer is here, and John 
feels that the chance is near at hand for him to 
reap his reward. The plans of the plotter have 
no doubt been carefully conceived ; they are 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


337 


about to be cai'ried out under the flowers that 
bloom in this lovely court, but thanks to the 
power that is given to them here, these schemes 
shall be frustrated, hurled back upon the head 
of the man who designs them. 

They draw a little closer. The voice is not 
raised, for Lord Elmer does not intend every- 
one in the house shall hear him. Hence, they 
onl^" catch a word here and there. 

To whom is he talking? John feels curious 
to know, for it seems that there must be some 
connection between this other and the plot to 
steal Jeanie. He now has an opportunity to 
glance out, and his e3^es rest upon a man 
dressed as a Turk. Perhaps it is the -proprie- 
tor of the house, or what is more likely, some 
major domo in whose charge the property has 
been left. At any rate one fact is quite patent 
— he is hand in glove with the man who seeks 
to deprive John of his love — the man who is a 
disgrace to the honored name he bears, and to 
that of a Briton. 

There is still another, a third party to be 
seen among the palms and exotics of the court. 
Just beyond the fountain John sees him; he 
has only an indistinct view of the figure, but 
makes out through the spray that it is a man. 

Corne^^ evidently sees more, for he chuckles 

as though immensely pleased at something, 
2 ^ 


338 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


and silly midges John under the ribs, whisper- 
ing in his ear the while : 

‘'Note the fellow beyond the fountain — he 
plays a figure in this game, I reckon. Sure he 
has a fine figure, too ; I never seen one like it, 
saving perhaps yours, me boy. Watch him 
closely, and ye’ll have your eyes opened ; 3^e’ll 
understand something I know has been both- 
ering ye — me allusion to your penchant for 
sleep walking— for appearing inside the Turk- 
ish lines, bedad, when 3"e were supposed to be 
lying in your Russian tent. Keep your e\^es 
open. Colonel, dear, for surprises.” 

These strange words whispered in the car of 
the colonel naturally cause him the greatest 
wonder. He cannot begin to grasp their full 
significance, but while missing the substance 
strikes the shadow, and even in this gets 
enough to give him some little inkling of the 
truth. 

At any rate he watches this third man with 
great eagerness, and waits to see what 
important niche he fills in Crawford’s great 
game. 

Lord Elmer and the Turk have about fin- 
ished their talk, which has been in the nature 
of a consultation, evidently. Is the game 
about to be opened now? 

The Englishman has vanished from the 
scene, and only the Turk and the third party 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


339 


are left. They come together and walk tip and 
down, talking in low tones. This party wears 
a felt hat very like that of Colonel Paul; 
indeed, his figure corresponds with that of the 
American, and even the graceful mtistache 
droops from his upper lip. 

As John notes this fact he has a peculiar 
wave of feeling go over him ; at first he is 
burning as if with a fever, and then turns icy 
cold, as though a frozen hand had grasped his 
heart. 

The magnitude of the Briton’s fearful plan is 
just coming home to him. When he manages 
to grasp the whole of it John will be seized 
with a rigliteous indignation surely. 

While he watches this scene with its tropical 
setting, it seems like a play that is being 
enacted for his benefit. Instead of the orches- 
tra comes the deep throbbing of Russian guns 
in the distance, where the Muscovite invadei's 
have run across some remnant of the Turkish 
army and give them battle before Sophia. 

John watches and waits; truly, he never sat 
in a gilded opera house and gazed upon the 
most enchanting play with one quarter the 
interest he feels now ; he has a stake here that 
concerns his whole future welfare, and with a 
man of his age this means a good deal. 

Now Colonel Paul’s heart gives a great 
bound; another figure has entered the court. 


340 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


this time a female. She is garbed in black and 
he cannot see her face, but this matters little. 
What lover can be mistaken in the carriage of 
the woman he worships ? As far as the eye 
may see her John is sure he can recognize Lady 
Jeanie. 

He sees her advance straight toward the 
man who has thus suddenlj^ appeared to mys- 
tify him ; advance with a confidence that gives 
John a queer sensation, indeed, for he does not 
know whether to be flattered or not. 

Corney’s mouth is at his ear, and the Irish- 
man’s voice whispers: 

“Have a care, now, that ye betray no emo- 
tion. Be read3q me bo3q to see the ghost walk, 
and remember, 3^e’re under me orders the while. 
I’ll have 3^e in the guard house for mutiny if ye 
make a move, so I will.’^ 

All this is sweetness wasted on the desert 
air ; John hears, but without more than half 
comprehending what Corney is talking about. 
The reason is patent. As Lady Jeanie reaches 
the man who has been standing there talking 
to the Turk, she reaches out her hand and 
utters words that electrify the American. 

“ Colonel Paul, I am glad to see 3" ou. How 
strange it is that you should appear just when 
I am in need of assistance,” she says. 

The other takes her hand eagerly, and John 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


341 


gasps to hear him reply in tones that would 
certainly be accepted as his own : 

‘‘ My dear -Lady Jeanie, 3"ou know I am only 
too glad of the opportunity ; it must have 
been a kind fate that sent me here. I stand 
ready to give mj life in your service, or risk all 
that I have, but you know the reward I ask ; 
nay, do not turn asid^ in that way; I love 
you, why should I be ashamed to say it even in 
the presence of this Turk who only half under- 
stands English.’^ 

Imagine John^s feelings. 

He has an idea that he must be someone else, 
and that the person thus speaking is John 
Paul, a colonel by the grace of the czar, mak- 
ing love to Jeanie Stockton. No wonder the 
blood seems to congeal in his veins; no wonder 
he clenches his right hand and longs for the 
moment to arrive when he may hurl this 
imposter from the position he has taken. 

For the present he must hold himself in 
restraint and see what the £nale may turn out 
to be. It is the hardest task ever set before 
him, and little wonder he feels the bead3^ drops 
of perspiration upon his forehead under the 
strain. 

Lady Jeanie seems confused by this abrupt 
lovemaking on the part of the other. She 
turns her head aside and blushes. It is doubly 


342 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


perplexing, because she believes John Paul has 
no right to tell her such things. 

‘‘You must not talk so,” she says, subduing 
her emotion, for she loves John and yet knows 
that it should not be. 

“Must not! Dearest Jeanie, how am I to 
help it ? The holy flame consumes me. I am a 
plain man, not much given to fine language, 
bvit my meaning is unmistakable. Why should 
I not tell you of m3" love? The very ground 
you walk upon is sacred to me. No other 
woman — ” 

vShe gives a cry as if thus suddenly recalled 
to her senses, and endeavors to take her hand 
away from his clasp ; but he will not allow 
this, and hangs on to it as a drowning man 
might clutch at a straw. 

“I say again. Colonel Paul, you must not 
address me in that way. It is wrong, it is 
wicked,” she pants, almost overcome with 
emotion. 

“Wicked? Wrong? Why, my dear girl, 
you use strange words. How can it be wicked 
for me to love you — to ask you to be my 
wife? ” he asks. 

‘ ‘ My letter — you read it ? ” 

“I have received none from you,” he replies, 
which is of course the exact truth, though it 
seems to stagger the English girl. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


343 


‘‘Then you do not know who Sister Therese 
is?’’ she asks, as if inspired with a sudden 
hope. 

“ I care nothing for any Sister Therese, no 
matter who she may be. What I want is 
Sister Jeanie, the sweetest, dearest crea- 
ture—” 

“Silence, you wretch ! ” 

“Eh?” 

“You add to your villainy by such words. 
Oh, Colonel Paul, I never would have 
believed it of youP^ she half sobs, yet strong in 
her determination to do the right thing. 

“Believed what? Am I a wretch because I 
love you ? ” 

“Yes, yes, a dozen times over, because you 
have no right to say such things, you who 
should be bound by all the ties of the past to 
another.” 

“Confusion! ” 

“You have no right to speak to me in that 
way. Colonel Paul, because you are a married 
man.” 

“What!” 

“Sister Therese has revealed her past to me, 
and in so doing related your villainy — Sister 
Therese, who is none other than your badly 
treated wife Nora,” and as she gives him this 
parting shot she wrenches again at her hand ; 


34^4< 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


Ills astonislitnent is so great that she sueeeeds 
in freeing it. 

“Nora! Great Heaven! Nora alive and 
here ! ” is the ery that is wrung from his lips, 
and there is at least nothing feigned about 
this. 

“Yes, and you ean understand why John 
Paul must not, shall not address a word of 
love to me. Your wronged wife is under this 
roof; if you merit mj approbation, allow me 
to eall her, and endeavor to undo your miser- 
able past, sir.” 

^She looks like a tragedy queen standing 
there in her maidenly pride and anger, though 
under it all her heart is nearly breaking, for 
she loves this man who has been a hero in her 
e^^es. 

It gives the other a ehanee to recover, an 
opportunity to pull himself together, for he 
has been wofully shaken by the astounding 
news he hears. He has a part to play, and 
cannot afford to let the time go by. 

“I confess one thing to you. Lady Jeanie — 
Nora, who has poured her story into your 
sympathetic ear, who seems to forget that it 
has another side — Nora was my wife, but she 
long ago forfeited all right to that name. She 
is no barrier between us ; a divorce may easily 
be obtained. You understand this, I trust ? ” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


345 . 


“Yes, I think I do,” she gasps, horrified at 
the light way he discusses a subject that hangs 
like a millstone about her heart. 

“And 3’^ou will not longer refuse to come to 
my arms — to acknowledge that you love me — 
to promise to be my wife as soon as I am 
freed from this incubus of a Nora,” he sa3'S, 
boldly. 

Such language from a man she has looked 
upon as the noblest in the circle of her 
acquaintances seems to horrif3^ Jeanie. She 
starts back as though she would fl e, but the 
other with a coarse laugh stretches out his 
hand and seizes her again, despite her strug- 
gles. The time has come when her regard for 
John Paul must be turned into loathing — the 
plot is ripe. 

“Unhand me, John Paul,” she groans. 

“Never, my own; you belong to me — ^you 
love me!” 

“I loathe you, wretch ! ” she pants. 

“Ah! 3^ourave; you will confess the truth 
very soon, dear girl. One kiss, now, to seal the 
compact ; come, you will not refuse J ohn Paul, 
your future husband.” 

“I will cry for help!” 

“The Turk is blind ; he turns his back.” 

“ Surely Heaven will not be so cruel as to 
desert me. Oh ! help, help ! ” she wails. 


346 


THE COLONEE BY BREVET. 


Corney throws his arms about his comrade 
just in time to keep a madman from bounding 
into the court and tearing his double to pieces. 

‘‘Silence! Wait, and all is yours, he hisses, 
and John relapses into an inert mass. 

Her cry for help has been heard, and into the 
court from opposite directions rush two 
figures. Sister Therese and the gallant Briton, 
the lion of the drama. 


CHAPTER YIII. 


THE CURTAIN FARES IN THE MOORISH COURT. 

Lord Elmer’s hour has come, and right 
valiantly does he rally to the emergency. Into 
the court he rushes with the speed of a bound- 
ing red deer in his Scottish preserves. His 
aim is to reach the figures before him with as 
little loss of time as possible; he evidently 
knows that a man filled with righteous indig- 
nation should be no laggard. 

“You call, and I have come. Lady Jeanie; 
an Englishman never holds back when a lady 
is in trouble. Your cry has reached my heart, 
and were there a dozen instead of one, it would 
be all the same. Ruffian, unhand that lad}^ 
Jupiter Pluvius! can I believe my eyes? 
Colonel Paul, the so-called hero of Plevna, 
descending to the role of a common scoundrel ? 
Well, it makes no difference; I am here to do 
this lady, whom I honor, a service. Listen, 
you dog of an American, do you know what 
my intentions are ? I mean to throttle you 

347 


348 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


with these hands — to shake you until jonv 
teeth rattle like castanets — to toss your miser- 
able body into a corner as I would a worn-out 
glove. You are no weakling, I am aware, but 
just at this moment two men of your caliber 
could not hold against me. Look out for 
3^ ourself, yon Colonel by the grace and favor 
of the Czar, for here conies an English thunder- 
bolt against you.” 

With the last words the brawny Briton 
launches himself forward; his_rush seems 
irresistible, and, besides, the double of John 
Paul has been ro3^ally paid to receive his punish- 
ment like a man. Ten blows at twenty pounds 
apiece ; he can stand it. 

Perhaps Lord Elmer puts a little more vigor 
than has been intended into his blows ; at any 
rate he succeeds in laying his antagonist out 
in true pugilistic style; these Britons pride 
themselves on their proficiency in the manly 
art of self-defense anyway, and when the object 
assailed makes but a. mockery of resistance it 
is not so hard to win a battle. 

The finale comes with a rush ; quite a picture 
it is, the American lying senseless on the 
ground and the sturdy Briton standing over 
him with his fists clenched as though ready to 
continue the battle ro3"al with all who may 
come; it seems a pity that such a scene should 
be a farce. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


349 


The heroic Crawford pants a little with his 
exertions, bnt triumphant he stands there, his 
eyes blazing and his gaze now bent on the girl 
he has rescued. 

How can she help butfeelkindly toward him, 
this man who has rescued her from the grasp of 
a villain ? He is elated over his triumph and 
yet strives to appear modest. 

“What shall I do with him, Lady Jeanie — 
this insulter of women, this man who carries 
the name of a hero yet is a coward ? Give me 
the word and I will finish my work, so that he 
will never more do harm.” 

“No, no, harm him not; he is down — he is 
senseless. Ah ! I cannot forget how noble he 
has been in the past. Poor Colonel Paul, he 
must have lost his mind,” she cries, the love in 
her heart fighting for him. 

“ Give him to me,” says a quiet voice, and 
black robed Sister Therese steps forward ; “he 
belongs to me — perhaps I may reclaim him.” 

“ What are you to him ? ” asks the Briton, 
though he already has a good idea. 

“His wife! ” 

“Then take him.” 

With a majestic wave of the hand he steps 
aside, and Sister Therese bends over the sense- 
less man ; she brushes the curly hair aside over 
his left temple. 


350 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


‘‘See, that scar proves my right — this is my 
husband, who married me as a good man and 
proved to be a villain. I fear his nature has 
not changed, since he has desired to commit 
bigamy.” 

“ According to my notion he is a scoundrel 
of the deepest dye, this Colonel John Paul, and 
the sooner you are free from his presence the 
better. I have managed to' down him this 
time, but, egad, he may attempt some tactics 
of a different nature. A scotched snake is not 
always a dead snake, and he is dangerous. 
The man who would not hesitate to insult a 
lady, and an English lady at that, would be 
guilty of any crime.” 

“Oh, Colonel Paul, how could you?” mur- 
murs the girl, half covering her face with her 
hands as though to shut out the sight of the 
man she has believed a hero, but who turned 
out a villain, lying there, his white face in plain 
view. 

“Well, this ends it, anyway,” remarks Craw- 
ford, in the most complacent manner possible, 
as he strokes his Dundreary whiskers; he 
believes his tactics have succeeded, and that 
never again will the man he hates and fears 
have a chance with Jeanie Stockton after thus 
insulting her. 

“Not just yet.” 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


351 


*^Who speaks?’’ The English lord whirls 
around, for he wonders whether the Turk 
knows enough English to use these words; 
whirls to discover two men advancing into the 
court. 

One of them comes with rapid stride, the 
other more leisurely as though in no hurry. In 
the former appears the counterpart of the man 
who lies there senseless. 

Lady Jeanie has looked up ; perhaps the voice 
is familiar, and sends a thrill through her 
heart. Her eyes glue themselves upon the 
figure of the man who liurries, the man whose 
coming Lord Elmer dreads, as it means dis- 
aster to him. 

She utters a low cry of “Colonel Paul,” 
which is echoed by Sister Therese. As for the 
Briton, he says nothing; this gallant defender 
of helpless women, who has plaj^ed the part of 
hero so recently, now shrinks back appalled 
before the flaming face of the man he has 
injured. His tongue, which could move so 
glibly before, now seems to be glued to the 
roof of his mouth. 

John’s appearance is enough to alarm any- 
one against whom his anger may be kindled. 
He has seen the result of the miserable plot 
against him, and is burning with indignation. 
This man is responsible for it all, and, but for 
the sagacity of Corney, must have succeeded 


352 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


in forever disgracing him in the presence of 
Lady Jeanie. 

What does it mean ? ” cries the English girl, 
in a half dazed manner. 

begin to understand,” says Sister Therese, 
as her e3^es roam from one face to another. 

“It is very plain ; that man lying there is my 
cousin, John Paul. He was always pretty 
much of a rascal, and a roving spirit. I 
believed him dead, as he has been so to his 
family for 3^ears, but it seems there is enough 
life in him to plot against my hajjpiness. I am 
here. Lady Jeanie, to prove the falsity of tbe 
charges brought against me; to show you 
that it is the work of this desperate gamester; 
defeated in all honorable paths to gain your 
favor, he turns to the lowest policy. What 
need of words when 3^011 see him disgraced 
before 3"ou, unmasked of his villainy? ” 

Then he turns to the Englishman and looks 
at him in a way that makes Lord Elmer’s 
knees quake. 

“ You have given me much trouble, my noble 
lord, and now I am going to be done with you. 
The provocation is great — 3"ou can atone for it 
only in one way. I have a claim upon your 
life.” 

While speaking Colonel Paul draws his hand 
out from behind him, and the daylight, shining 
through the glass above, strikes along the bar- 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET, 


353 


rel of a revolver. Lord Elmer turns deadly 
pale and trembles as if he has an attack of 
ague. 

“You would not murder me ? ” he gasps, and 
it is time for him to feel the beads of cold per- 
spiration upon his forehead. 

“ It would be rewarding you as you deserve, 
reprobate. It is fine fun to play with a man’s 
reputation, and ruin him in the eyes of the 
woman he loves, but sometimes it costs dear; 
just now your miserable life is all you have to 
pay for the pleasure, and I am in a humor to 
make you reach the reckoning.’’ 

The revolver is slowly raised, and Craw- 
ford’s agitation increases. 

“ Lady Jeanie, I beg my life of you / ” he cries 
in horror, realizing that he will appeal in vain 
to this stern man who believes in justice as 
well as mercy, and as he thus begs he stretches 
his hands toward the girl garbed in black. 

Who cries for quarter in vain when the per- 
son addressed is a woman ? It is not a Caesar 
or a Nero to whom his appeal goes up, but a 
Sister of Mercy for the time being, an English 
girl with a heart. 

Jeanie has been amazed by what has taken 
place, but the truth is very pleasant to her, 
and it surges through her brain with the rapid- 
ity of thought. She has mourned over a fallen 
idol ; what she believed was Dresden ware has 

23 


354 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


apparently turned out base clay, so that when 
the truth dawns upon her Jcanie exults. 
Mercy is a gentle attribute within her heart; 
it tempers justice even as in the days of Portia 
and Shylock. 

A hand is laid on John’s arm ; the toueh is 
gentle, but it has more power to move him 
than would the elasp of a giant. He turns his 
head, and when his eyes rest upon the appeal- 
ing orbs of Jeanie Stoekton, the stern look 
leaves his faee — he even smiles. 

“John, for my sake, spare him ! ” 

It is enough; for her sake this man would 
dare an^^thing; ean he do less when she asks a 
favor? The deadly weapon whieh he was 
about to use in this his hour of triumph grad- 
ually drops down until it hangs at his side, 
whereupon Lord Elmer draws a long breath, 
the first deeent one he has had for an age. 
Something like a sneer also appears upon his 
face, but noticing the faet that the Irishman is 
watehing him, he puts on a sober look. 

“You could not have asked me a more diffi- 
cult thing, Jeanie Stoekton, but you see Igrant 
it. The miserable seheme to undo me has 
failed, thank God, and you know now I am 
not the villain they tried to make you 
believe.” 

He stands there before her with his arms 
folded; something like pride has appeared 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


355 


Upon his face, for he feels a little hurt, man- 
like, that she should have ever doubted him. 

Her admiration for this man has increased 
twofold; he seems more of a hero now than 
ever before, even while saving her life in the 
Alpine storm, for she has doubted him and the 
storm has swept aside, showing his character 
to be pure gold. 

Lady Jeanie still stands beside him; she 
smiles upon him in away he never could resist, 
it is so charmingly frank. When he looks into 
the depths of those liquid eyes he feels his soul 
moved, the stern look vanishes from his face, 
and he smiles. 

‘‘Yes, I doubted you, John ; what was I to 
believe when everything seemed against you ? 
But if it were possible to unveil my heart now, 
and you could realize the great joy that fills it 
because of the truth, you would not feel that 
the lesson had been without its benefits. 

The shy blush that suffuses her faee while she 
thus speaks gives him a wild thrill of joy; he 
takes her hand in his and says in low but 
eloquent tones : 

“If it has kindled the spark of love you enter- 
tained for me before into a flame, my Jeanie, I 
shall thank Heaven for the opportunity, even 
if it was a cruel experience.’’ 

They have apparenttyforgotten the presence 
of others, for such a time comes but once dur- 


356 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


ing an ordinary life; John manages to slip 
that strong right arm of his, that has been 
ready to defend this girl against the world, 
around her waist, and draws her toward him, 
nor does she resist. 

One there is who surveys this scene with a 
dark brow and angry eyes — one who has 
plotted with the ingenuity of Satan’s own 
that he might be in the place now occupied b^^ 
John. Lord Elmer it is who scowls and grits 
his teeth, clenching his fists, and wondering 
whether he could make his escape afterward 
if he suddenly shot down this colonel by the 
grace of the czar — murdered him in the pres- 
ence of the girl he has so daringly won. 

It is while the schemer thus moodily surveys 
the scene, and his twitching fingers creep closer 
and closer to the pocket where he keeps a 
deadly little revolver which he knows pretty 
well how to use, that he feels a hot breath 
on his cheek, and turning his head looks into 
a pair of eyes that give him a cold chill, for he 
knows they belong to the mad Irishman, who 
must of a necessity be pressing a revolver 
somewhere about the region of his — the 
Briton’s — ^heart. 

“Try it, ye miserable thief in the night; I’m 
just longing to send a bullet through your 
heart, so I am. Hands down, me beauty on 
dress parade. Rightabout face, it is; bedad, 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


357 


a scotindrel like yoti has no business to belook- 
ing upon such a sweet spectacle as that, at 
all.^’ 

So saying he whirls Lord Elmer around, 
walks him up to a palm tree and compels him 
to clasp his arms abmit it. He goes to no 
further indignity, knowing that the hot 
blooded Englishman, proud as Lucifer, may 
rebel, and Cornejo does not really care to have 
the blood of Her Majesty’s subject on his 
hands. 

The Turk has vanished from view, probably 
deeming discretion the better part of valor. 
Sister Therese bends over the form of John 
Paul number two. This man has deceived her 
in the past, and she should feel only scorn and 
contempt for him, but her religion teaches 
humility and not hatred ; she even places her 
cool hand upon his brow, perhaps remember- 
ing the happy period of her life — ^how terribly 
short — when she lived with him as his wife. 

Thus he finds her as he recovers his senses; 
he cowers under that sweet glance, as though 
the 'mcmories of the past arise to haunt him, 
and prove a scourge to conscience, even as a 
Cossack nagajka might to the flesh. She can 
never trust him again ; she is wedded to her 
order now, but by the memor3^ of what has 
been in the past she forgives him, and hopes to 
do him good, to lift the seals from his eyes. 


358 


THE COLONEL BY BEE YET. 


So the scene is like the closing tableau in a 
play, with the principal characters clustered 
upon the stage; John still has his sturdy right 
arm around the blushing Jeanie, who thus 
mutely confesses her return of affection in 
allowing his embrace, and as eye drinks sweet 
truths from eye, soul reading soul, it is plain 
to be seen that the future must hold a common 
destiny for these kindred spirits. 

Near by is the sullen English lord, scowling 
upon the picture, while Corney having lighted 
a cigar, puffs away in the most nonchalant 
manner possible; he holds a small object in 
his hand, at which Lord Ivlmer casts an occa- 
sional look of dread, for it is a revolver, the 
blued steel of which gleams in the light of the 
morning sun stealing through the glass roof. 

On the other side of Colonel Paul his repro- 
bate cousin and namesake lies with his head 
pillowed upon the lap of Sister Therese, and as 
he looks into those merciful eyes above, let us 
at least hope that for the moment something 
like contrition passes through his mind, though 
it can hardly hope to live for any length of 
time with such a character as his. 

It is now nearh^ ten o’clock, and from out- 
side the Moorish house come discordant 
sounds, loud shouts and cheers that seem to 
make the very walls tremble. 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


359 


“The Rtissian army has entered Sophia! 
Gotirka is at hand I I am on parole no longer, 
but a free rhan again, thank Heaven, free to 
rejoin my command and assist in chasing the 
crafty Turk to the Bosphorus 1 

So cries Colonel Paul exultantly, for ti e 
sound of drums and fifes stirs the martial 
blood that tingles in his veins; then he remem- 
bers the sweet creature by his side, contrition 
seizes upon the soldier, and he adds in a lower 
tone: 

“ This hateful war will soon be over, dear, 
and we can then talk of our future — of the 
happiness in store for us, I trust, when you 
honor Colonel John Paul by becoming his 
wife.’’ 

Then atfi^erview takes place between John 
and the two men, one his cousin, the other his 
rival. His is a magnanimous spirit, and he 
makes them both feel ashamed of their work. 
When they leave the house Lord Elmer says 
vehemently, for he has some trace of decency 
within : 

“This is a beastly bad business, and I’ve 
been beaten out and out by John Paul, but I 
can say there isn’t a man I know to whom I’d 
more readily give up the game than him. Jove! 
He’s a man to win a woman’s heart, and his 
past has proven him a hero,” to which the 
other vouchsafes no reply, for this same cousin 


360 


THE COLONEL BY BREVET. 


who is now a Colonel by the grace of the Czar 
has been his bete noir since childhood, and 
he must ever be blind to any virtues in the 
man who has chosen the straight path and 
advanced to fame by reason of a strong arm 
and brave heart. 

An hour later General Gourka has his head- 
quarters in the Moorish house where the 
Sisters of the Red Cross have been stationed, 
and Sophia has changed masters again after a 
lapse of many decades, never more to go into 
the hands of the Turks. 

Colonel Paul accompanies the Russians to 
Constantinople in the spring, and when the 
brief but bloody war is over he reaps his 
reward. Corney, now a real live pasha in the 
service of the sultan, keeps his word and 
dances at the wedding, while Russia sends a 
magnificent present to the brave soldier who 
has fought her battles as a Colonel by the 
grace of the Czar. 

RD 7. 4ff 

THE END. 


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